FG to Mandate Acceptance of NYSC Members by Government Parastatals

• The Federal Government will mandate all agencies to accept National Youth Service Corps members, addressing concerns over their rejection
• Minister Ayodele Olawande announced the lifting of restrictions, allowing corps members to be posted to private sector organizations

The Federal Government is set to issue a directive requiring all government agencies and parastatals to accept National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to them, as announced by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Olawande addressed concerns over some institutions’ rejection of corps members, particularly after the recent decision to lift restrictions on posting NYSC members to private sector organizations.

On November 19, 2024, the Federal Government revoked the restriction that limited corps member postings to public sector institutions, enabling their deployment to private sector organizations, including banks and oil companies.

The minister emphasized the need to ensure corps members are accepted wherever they are posted.

“Let them post them first, then we would tackle the rejection. There is no barrier anymore,” Olawande said.

He highlighted the importance of exposing corps members to practical experiences in various fields, including finance and other private sector industries, to help them apply and build on their educational training.

Olawande revealed plans to send a memo to President Bola Tinubu, mandating that all government parastatals and agencies accept NYSC members assigned to them without rejection.

“Very soon we will send a memo to the President to tell any government parastatal and agency not to reject anymore. It is a process; we can’t do everything at once,” he added.

Regarding the delay in implementing the recently approved N77,000 monthly allowance for corps members, Olawande assured that the process was nearing completion.

“It is a process. The increase has been approved; implementation is in progress. Very soon, they will begin to see it. It’s not rocket science,” he said.

The government’s efforts to expand opportunities for corps members and address logistical concerns demonstrate a renewed commitment to strengthening the NYSC program as a platform for youth development and national integration.