The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has fixed Wednesday, January 21, 2026, for the commencement of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I orientation course across the country, setting the tone for another cycle of national service.
In a statement issued via its official social media platform, the scheme said activities would take place simultaneously in all 37 orientation camps nationwide. Registration of prospective corps members is scheduled to run from Wednesday, January 21, to midnight on Friday, January 23.
According to the timetable released by the management, the swearing-in ceremony will hold on Friday, January 23, while the orientation exercise will formally end with a closing ceremony on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, urged incoming corps members to prioritise their safety as they travel to their states of deployment, cautioning strongly against night journeys. He described safety consciousness as non-negotiable in ensuring a hitch-free mobilisation process.
NYSC management also emphasised the importance of strict compliance with the orientation schedule, noting that discipline and order remain critical to the success of the programme.
Established in 1973 in the aftermath of the civil war, the NYSC scheme remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s nation-building strategy. The three-week orientation camp serves as the foundation of the service year, exposing participants to paramilitary drills, lectures on national development, leadership training and cultural integration.
Corps members are also introduced to the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative, designed to equip young graduates with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset in a rapidly evolving economy.
Beyond drills and lectures, the orientation camp is structured to encourage interaction among young Nigerians from diverse ethnic, religious and social backgrounds, reinforcing the original vision of unity, cohesion and shared national purpose.
As mobilisation gathers momentum, expectations are high that the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I will not only uphold tradition but also align with the evolving demands of national development and youth empowerment.
