The National Youth Service Corps has postponed the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I orientation exercise for prospective corps members deployed to Niger State following extensive damage to its orientation camp in Paiko caused by a recent windstorm.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NYSC said the postponement became necessary to allow for ongoing renovation works at the camp, which is being undertaken by the Niger State Government.
According to the statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the windstorm severely affected facilities at the Paiko orientation camp, making it unsuitable to host the incoming batch of corps members.
The scheme said urgent efforts are now underway to secure an alternative venue where the orientation exercise can be conducted safely and without disruption.
“Management of the National Youth Service Corps wishes to inform prospective corps members deployed to Niger State for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I service year that their orientation course has been postponed until a later date,” the statement said.
It added that a new date for the commencement of the orientation exercise, along with other relevant details, would be communicated to affected corps members in due course.
The development is expected to affect hundreds of prospective corps members who had been scheduled to report to the Paiko camp for the mandatory three-week orientation programme, which marks the beginning of the one-year national service.
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The orientation course typically includes paramilitary drills, leadership training, lectures on national integration, and community development activities designed to prepare graduates for service in various parts of the country.
The NYSC expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the postponement, particularly to prospective corps members and their families who may have already made travel and logistical arrangements.
Management appealed for patience and understanding, assuring affected corps members that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the programme resumes as soon as possible under safe and conducive conditions.
The postponement highlights growing concerns over the vulnerability of public infrastructure to extreme weather events, especially as seasonal storms continue to impact several parts of the country.
