No fewer than 2,295 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have commenced their one-year mandatory national service in Kaduna State.
The corps members, comprising those deployed to Kaduna and others dislodged from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were sworn in on Friday.
The event marked the formal opening of the 2026 batch ‘C’ stream I orientation course at the NYSC temporary orientation camp, Government College, Kaduna.
The State Coordinator, Mr Abubakar Bawa, said the corps members reported promptly from different parts of the country, demonstrating responsibility, commitment, and discipline during registration.
He expressed confidence that the orientation course and the entire service year would be successful, given the conduct of the corps members.
The coordinator urged the corps members to participate actively in all camp activities and remain punctual at every scheduled event.
He said the regimented camp activities were designed to prepare them physically, mentally and emotionally for the challenges of their service year.
Bawa also urged them to take the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously to acquire skills for self-reliance.
He said SAED was particularly important in addressing unemployment by equipping corps members with practical skills that could support entrepreneurship and self-employment.
The coordinator appreciated Gov. Uba Sani for renovating hostels and other camp facilities and providing furniture for corps members and staff.
He assured the governor that the facilities would be properly maintained while reaffirming NYSC’s commitment to partnering with the state government.
Bawa said such collaboration would support selfless service to Kaduna residents, particularly in health, education and other critical sectors.
He also appreciated the NYSC State Governing Board Chairman for supporting projects and the Chief Judge of Kaduna State for consistently administering the oath of allegiance to corps members during NYSC ceremonies.
He also commended camp officials for their commitment and teamwork, urging them to sustain the cooperation throughout the orientation exercise.
In his address, Gov. Uba Sani said the corps members deployment should not be regarded merely as an administrative posting but as an opportunity to learn, serve, grow and make a difference.
Sani, represented by Commissioner for Youth Development Gloria Ibrahim, described the NYSC scheme as an important instrument for promoting national integration and fostering understanding among Nigeria’s diverse peoples.
The governor urged the corps members to participate actively in physical training, lectures, skills development, social activities and cultural programmes.
He said the discipline, teamwork, resilience and leadership qualities developed during orientation would remain useful beyond their service year.
Sani particularly urged the corps members to take the SAED programme seriously, noting the importance of practical skills, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
He said the realities of the economy required young Nigerians to complement academic qualifications with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
The governor said the Kaduna State Government would continue supporting initiatives promoting youth development, skills acquisition, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He assured the corps members that their security and well-being remained important to the government, promising continued collaboration with NYSC and relevant stakeholders.
He also urged the corps members to use the three-week orientation period to develop themselves, acquire new skills, and contribute meaningfully.
