President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in the number of graduates to be mobilised for the National Youth Service Corps in 2026, adding 50,000 extra slots to help reduce the long wait many graduates face before beginning their service year.

The update was shared by NYSC Director-General Olakunle Nafiu during the unveiling of a renovated clinic at the scheme’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the additional slots are intended to ease the growing mobilisation backlog. With the new approval, the agency is projecting about 418,000 corps members for the 2026 service year.

Nafiu explained that the pressure on the programme comes from the steady rise in the number of graduates across Nigeria. While only a few thousand graduates were mobilised when the scheme began in 1973, the country now has over 400 institutions producing roughly 600,000 graduates annually.

He also clarified that not every graduate is mobilised immediately. Some qualify for exemption, while others, such as doctors and lawyers, must complete professional training before they can join the scheme.

On safety concerns, Nafiu said the agency tries to avoid sending corps members to areas considered unsafe and often restricts sensitive postings to major cities.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, urged corps members to prioritise their safety during service, particularly by avoiding unnecessary night travel.

Officials say the upgraded clinic at the NYSC headquarters is part of efforts to improve welfare and support services for staff and corps members.