The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has rejected reports linking a proposed N200 annual levy by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to the mobilisation of graduates for national service. The Scheme said students and prospective corps members do not need to pay the levy to qualify for NYSC mobilisation.
The clarification came on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, following reports that NANS was considering introducing an annual N200 payment for Nigerian students and linking compliance with the levy to the NYSC mobilisation process. The proposal generated concern among students and prospective corps members.
In its response, the NYSC stated that it had neither discussed nor agreed to any arrangement with NANS concerning the collection of a levy from students as a condition for national service mobilisation. The Scheme also said it had not entered into any Memorandum of Understanding with the student association on the matter.
The NYSC’s position effectively separates its statutory mobilisation responsibilities from the activities and financial arrangements of student associations. The agency urged students to disregard any information suggesting that payment of NANS dues is a requirement for being mobilised for national service.
The controversy followed comments attributed to NANS National President, Akinteye Babatunde, who had spoken about plans to introduce a N200 annual dues system for students. Reports indicated that the proposed arrangement could potentially be connected to the NYSC mobilisation process.
However, NYSC stressed that its mobilisation process is handled through its established institutional channels. Its official mobilisation department is responsible for coordinating the mobilisation of eligible Nigerian graduates, screening prospective corps members and collating approved academic records from corps-producing institutions.
The Scheme’s official portal also provides specific procedures for prospective corps members, including registration and checking of graduation or Senate lists. The published NYSC procedures do not identify payment of NANS dues as a condition for mobilisation.
The clarification is particularly important for final-year students and graduates preparing for national service, as uncertainty over additional payments could create confusion or expose prospective corps members to fraudulent demands. NYSC’s position makes clear that students should rely on official information from the Scheme regarding mobilisation requirements.
The development comes at a time when the Federal Government is implementing broader reforms of the NYSC. In June 2026, the Federal Executive Council approved a comprehensive reform programme for the Scheme, including a technology-driven call-up process, risk-sensitive deployment and a redesigned orientation programme with greater emphasis on skills, leadership and entrepreneurship.
For now, prospective corps members have been advised to follow official NYSC channels for information concerning mobilisation and registration. The latest clarification means that the proposed N200 NANS levy should not be treated as an NYSC requirement, while any future changes to mobilisation procedures would have to come through the appropriate official channels.


