By Nworisa Michael
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to introduce a standardised protocol aimed at protecting and supporting corps members living with disabilities, a move that could redefine inclusion and dignity within Nigeria’s national service system.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this during the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Pre-Orientation Workshop held in Jos, Plateau State. He said the new protocol would guide how corps members with disabilities are handled during orientation and throughout their service year, ensuring fairness, safety and equal opportunity.
According to Nafiu, the initiative goes beyond mere compliance with regulations, placing emphasis on dignity, empathy and inclusion, while recognising the unique challenges faced by corps members with disabilities in camps and host communities.
“This underscores our commitment to leaving no one behind and positioning the NYSC as a humane, progressive and nationally responsive institution,” the DG said, stressing the need for emotional intelligence in all interactions involving corps members.
For years, advocate have raised concerns about the vulnerability of corps members with disabilities, particularly during orientation camps where infrastructure, mobility access and support systems are often inadequate. The proposed protocol signals an institutional acknowledgment of these realities and a willingness to respond.
Nafiu noted that the orientation course remains the foundation of a successful service year and must reflect national realities, global best practices and evolving youth dynamics to prepare corps members for meaningful service and life beyond NYSC.
Earlier, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Nura Umar, described the workshop theme as strategic, noting that the orientation experience plays a critical role in shaping the mindset, conduct and overall well-being of corps members.
While the announcement has been widely welcomed, stakeholders say implementation will be key, urging NYSC and state governments to back the policy with accessible facilities, trained personnel and continuous monitoring to ensure corps members with disabilities are not left exposed or marginalised.
If effectively executed, the protocol could encourage more young Nigerians with disabilities to participate confidently in national service, strengthening inclusion and reinforcing the principle that service to the nation must be safe and equitable for all.