By Miriam Humbe
Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has charged Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) Schedule Officers of the Scheme to strengthen data integrity, enhance monitoring systems, and improve evaluation frameworks in the Service Corps.
Caroline Embu, the NYSC’s Director, Information and Public Relations disclosed this in a statement signed on Monday.
The Director General gave the charge in his address at the 2026 edition of the NYSC Planning, Research and Statistics Schedule Officers’ Workshop held in Abuja.
General Nafiu stressed that accurate and timely data remain critical to sound policy formulation and effective decision-making within the Scheme.
The Director-General, whose address was delivered by the Director of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Chief Chinwendu Chukwu, described the workshop as a vital platform for reflection, knowledge-sharing, and strategic repositioning for improved service delivery.
He noted that officers entrusted with PRS responsibilities must be equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge, adding that Management would continue to prioritise capacity building through training and other incentives to ensure optimal performance.
General Nafiu urged participants to take full advantage of the workshop to sharpen their competencies and develop innovative approaches for the seamless execution of their duties.
“As PRS Schedule Officers, you are custodians of the Scheme’s records and archival materials at State Secretariats. You must safeguard these facilities with a high sense of responsibility,” he said.
He further described the officers as the think tank of the Scheme and encouraged them to engage in research activities that would advance the ideals and operations of the NYSC.
The Director-General reaffirmed Management’s commitment to strengthening research initiatives, enhancing inter-departmental collaboration, and fully integrating PRS functions into the Scheme’s overall strategic framework.
“We will continue to provide an enabling environment that promotes optimal performance and operational efficiency.
All PRS Officers are therefore enjoined to remain dedicated, innovative, and proactive in the discharge of their duties,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Nura Umar, said the workshop aligns with the Director-General’s policy thrust of building a resilient workforce for the Scheme.
He noted that the workshop theme, “Enhancing Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Skills for PRS Officers for Improved Service Delivery,” underscores the importance of effective tracking and appraisal of NYSC programmes to ensure operational efficiency.
Umar urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve their performance in assigned duties, adding that experts would deliver lectures aimed at strengthening their professional capacity.
The workshop drew PRS Schedule Officers from all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
