The National Youth Service Corps says it is ready to adopt and implement a standardised protocol for the inclusive handling of corps members with disabilities throughout the  orientation course and service year.

NYSC director-general Olakunle Nafiu said this on Wednesday in Jos, at the opening ceremony of the NYSC 2026 pre-orientation workshop.

Mr Nafiu said the  initiative focused  not only on compliance but also on dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

“It emphasises our commitment to leaving no one behind and positioning the NYSC as a humane, progressive, and nationally responsive institution,” he said.

Mr Nafiu described the pre-orientation workshop as a strategic platform rather than a routine administrative exercise.

According to him, the workshop provided an opportunity for critical planning and reflection ahead of one of the most important phases of the NYSC service year, which is the orientation course.

“The orientation  course constitutes the bedrock of the entire NYSC service year. It is where service begins, character is forged, and citizenship is affirmed,”  he said.

Mr Nafiu noted the need for continuous reimagining of the orientation programme in line with national realities, global best practices, and evolving youth behaviour.

The NYSC boss commended the dedication and professionalism of management and camp officials.

He specifically applauded the seamless conduct of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise, which he said demonstrated the power of teamwork and institutional discipline.

Mr Nafiu said the 2026 workshop would feature innovative sessions, an open-mic discussion to address emerging challenges, improved camp management strategies, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and the introduction of practical training modules to equip corps members with post-camp skills.

Mr Nafiu urged participants to actively engage in the sessions to produce practical, actionable outcomes that would strengthen the orientation course nationwide.

(NAN)