Nigeria's NYSC to digitize certificate records and explore biometrics

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to digitize its certificate records to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency. During the 2026 NYSC Certification Officers’ Workshop in Abuja, Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu revealed that the scheme is exploring the use of biometric identification for issuing Certificates of National Service, pending technical assessments and approvals.

The initiative involves migrating paper-based registers to an Electronic Documents and Records Management System. This transition aims to facilitate faster record retrieval, improve accountability, and protect official documents from loss, physical damage, or unauthorized alterations. General Nafiu has instructed certification officers to acquire the digital skills necessary for this transition.

In a separate engagement at the Bayelsa State Permanent Orientation Camp, General Nafiu also addressed Batch ‘C’ Stream I Corps Members. He urged participants to remain security-conscious, utilize the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme for self-reliance, and maintain responsible digital footprints on social media.