The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially scheduled the commencement of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Orientation Course. According to a statement released on Tuesday via the scheme’s official X handle, the nationwide program will begin on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The three-week foundational course will take place simultaneously across all 37 NYSC Orientation Camps located in every state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Key Schedule and Deadlines
To ensure a successful orientation program, management has released a strict timeline for all prospective corps members:
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Camp Registration: Wednesday, January 21 – Friday, January 23 (Midnight).
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Official Swearing-in Ceremony: Friday, January 23, 2026.
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Closing Ceremony: Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The management emphasized that all participants must adhere strictly to this schedule to facilitate a smooth registration and orientation process.
Safety Warnings and DG’s Message
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, extended his best wishes to all prospective corps members as they prepare for their journey.
In a strong advisory, the Director-General urged all participants to prioritize their safety while traveling to their respective states of deployment. Specifically, he cautioned corps members to avoid traveling at night and to plan their trips during daylight hours to mitigate road risks.
The Purpose of the Orientation Course
The NYSC was established in 1973 as a vehicle for national unity and integration following the Nigerian Civil War. The three-week orientation camp serves as the initial phase of service, designed to break down ethnic and religious barriers.
During their stay in camp, corps members participate in a variety of foundational activities:
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Paramilitary Training: Drills and physical fitness exercises.
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Skills Acquisition: Training through the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program.
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Educational Lectures: Insights into national issues and development.
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Cultural Exchange: Activities designed to foster interpersonal relationships across diverse backgrounds.
