The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially confirmed that the 2026 Batch A orientation programme will begin nationwide on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

The announcement was made through an official statement released on Tuesday by Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations of the scheme. According to the NYSC, all 37 orientation camps across Nigeria will open simultaneously for the exercise.

Nationwide Camp Activities to Begin Same Day

The NYSC disclosed that prospective corps members are expected to report to their respective orientation camps starting January 21, where registration and documentation will be conducted.

The registration process will run for three days, allowing incoming corps members enough time to complete all formalities before the official commencement of camp activities.

Swearing-In and Closing Ceremony Dates

The scheme also outlined key dates for the orientation course:

• Orientation camp opens: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
  
• Registration period: January 21 – January 23, 2026
  
• Swearing-in ceremony: Friday, January 23, 2026
  
• Closing ceremony: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
  

These activities will take place simultaneously across all NYSC camps nationwide.

Safety Advice for Prospective Corps Members

The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, extended his goodwill message to all prospective corps members and urged them to prioritise safety during their journey to their states of deployment.

He specifically advised corps members to avoid travelling at night, stressing the importance of careful planning and safe movement.

NYSC and Calls for Modernisation

The announcement comes amid ongoing conversations about reforming the NYSC scheme. In the past year, the Federal Government highlighted the need to reposition the programme into a digitally driven and financially sustainable institution.

According to Hadiza Bala-Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, the scheme must evolve beyond structures that were designed more than five decades ago to remain effective in today’s Nigeria.

What Prospective Corps Members Should Do Now

As the orientation date approaches, prospective corps members are advised to:

• Print and confirm their call-up letters
  
• Make early travel arrangements
  
• Prepare required documents and camp essentials
  
• Stay informed through official NYSC communication channels
  

Timely preparation will help ensure a smooth and stress-free orientation experience.