By Harriet Tornguvan
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) Schedule Officers to uphold data integrity, strengthen monitoring systems, and enhance evaluation frameworks within the Scheme.
Nafiu made the call during the 2026 edition of the NYSC Planning, Research and Statistics Schedule Officers’ Workshop held in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the Director-General emphasised that accurate and timely data remain critical for sound policy formulation and effective decision-making in the administration of the Scheme.
Represented at the event by the Director of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Chief Chinwendu Chukwu, Nafiu described the workshop as a strategic platform for reflection, knowledge-sharing, and repositioning towards improved service delivery.
He stressed the need for PRS officers to be adequately equipped with relevant skills and knowledge, assuring that NYSC management would continue to prioritise capacity building through training and incentives to boost performance.
The Director-General urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the workshop to sharpen their competencies and develop innovative strategies for executing their responsibilities effectively.
“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.
Nafiu further described the officers as the think tank of the Scheme, encouraging them to engage in research activities that would enhance the operations and overall objectives of the NYSC.
He reaffirmed management’s commitment to strengthening research initiatives, promoting inter-departmental collaboration, and fully integrating PRS functions into the Scheme’s 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, Nura Umar, noted that the workshop aligns with the Director-General’s policy direction aimed at building a resilient workforce for the Scheme.
He explained that the theme of the workshop, “Enhancing Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Skills for PRS Officers for Improved Service Delivery,” highlights the importance of effective programme tracking and evaluation in ensuring operational efficiency.
Umar urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve their performance, adding that resource persons would deliver lectures designed to strengthen their professional capacity.
The workshop attracted PRS Schedule Officers from all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters.
