Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Government has revoked all restrictions on the posting of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, allowing them to be deployed to private sector organisations, including banks and oil and gas companies.
This new directive, which takes effect with the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course, was announced in a memo dated 18 November 2024 by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande.
Olawande explained that the decision aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to tackle youth unemployment.
He stated: “There is an urgent need to review this policy to expand the opportunity and access for corps members to serve in places that are relevant to their areas of study.”
The previous policy, introduced by former Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, limited corps postings to education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure sectors to prevent private companies from exploiting corps members and to build public sector capacity.
However, the government now argues that this restriction has hindered corps members from gaining relevant experience in their fields, leaving many unprepared for the job market.
The new directive prioritises postings to high-demand sectors and locations such as Abuja and Lagos, with an emphasis on matching corps members to assignments aligned with their educational backgrounds.
Olawande added: “Posting of corps members to select banks and other private sector organisations, including those operating in oil and gas, will commence with Abuja and Lagos.”
He further noted that this initiative aims to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, equipping NYSC members with practical skills to enhance their employability and address the unemployment crisis.
The minister concluded: “The now-revoked policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare corps members for the job market.”