Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu has officially assumed office as the 23rd Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abuja. Nafiu took over from his predecessor, Brigadier General Yu’shau Ahmed, with a promise to enhance the welfare of staff and corps members.Nafiu, while taking over, stated that the core of his mandate was to provide transparent and effective leadership for the advancement of the scheme. He emphasized his commitment to improving the welfare of staff and corps members.
The new Director-General also highlighted his plans to advance the job-matching program for graduates, enabling more corps members to enter the private sector during their service year. This initiative aims to enhance the employability of corps members.
“It will also be aimed at incentivising employers to retain a significant number of our corps members after their service year. “Under my leadership, the well-being of corps members will always be a top priority. “We will work hard to ensure that their service is one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. “My team and I shall work tirelessly to enhance camp feeding and hygiene,” he said.
He acknowledged that the establishment of the NYSC scheme in 1973 was a well-thought-out strategy that had greatly contributed to the socio-cultural integration of the country. “The scheme has fostered mutual understanding and trust among the people, regardless of origin.”
He also lauded the scheme’s significant contribution to promoting national unity through community development engagements by corps members. “The corps members are the only qualified educators, health providers, legal advisors, and many other professionals that some of our communities have ever known. “They are a beacon of hope, inspiration, and a symbol of hard work for future generations in many rural areas,” he said.
Nafiu sought the understanding and support of the staff to drive the programs he intended to introduce. He emphasized the importance of boosting the common welfare and career development of the scheme.He urged staff to be good role models for corps members, stressing the importance of rethinking strategies to fulfill the purpose of the scheme. Nafiu’s leadership philosophy focuses on repositioning the NYSC to meet the demands of contemporary society and tackle future challenges.
The outgoing Director-General, Brigadier General Yu’shau Ahmed, praised Nafiu’s appointment, citing his impressive career and unwavering dedication to national service. Ahmed expressed optimism that Nafiu’s leadership would bring a transformative era of progress and innovation to the scheme.Brigadier General Nafiu holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
Prior to his appointment as NYSC Director-General, Nafiu served as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede. He is an alumnus of three Army War Colleges and has served in various capacities in Nigeria and international peacekeeping missions.
Source : https://nannews.ng/2025/
