The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Olakunle Nafiu, has warned corps members against engaging in partisan politics during their service year, urging them to remain focused on the objectives of the national service programme.
General Nafiu gave the warning while addressing the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members at the NYSC Lagos State Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, according to a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the scheme’s Director of Public Relations, Caroline Embu.
The NYSC chief reminded the corps members that the service year was established to promote national unity, integration and socio-economic development, stressing that participants must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the values and regulations of the scheme.
He cautioned them against involvement in political activities that could compromise their neutrality or distract them from their responsibilities as members of the national service programme. According to him, corps members are expected to remain law-abiding and avoid actions capable of undermining public trust in the scheme.
General Nafiu also encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the various opportunities provided by the NYSC, particularly the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. He said the initiative was designed to equip young graduates with practical skills that would enhance their employability and encourage self-reliance after service.
The Director-General further urged participants to embrace the orientation course fully, describing it as an important platform for instilling discipline, leadership and teamwork. He advised them to respect camp rules, maintain cordial relationships with fellow corps members and contribute positively to their host communities during their primary assignments.
According to the statement, Nafiu reaffirmed the commitment of the NYSC management to the welfare and security of corps members across the country. He urged them to remain security conscious and adhere to all safety guidelines throughout their service year.
The NYSC orientation programme, which marks the beginning of the one-year national service, brings together graduates from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds to foster national cohesion and development. The 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members are currently undergoing orientation activities at camps across the federation before deployment to their places of primary assignment.
The warning comes as the NYSC continues to emphasize discipline, neutrality and responsible citizenship among participants, particularly ahead of political activities in various parts of the country.
