The Federal Government has lifted the restriction barring members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from being posted to private organisations such as banking and oil and gas sectors.
The announcement was made via a memo issued by the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on November 18, 2024. The directive will take effect with the commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ orientation exercise.
Under the previous policy, introduced during the tenure of former Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, NYSC postings were limited to the public sector, focusing on education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: FG Increases Corps Members Monthly Allowance To N77,000
The restriction aimed to prevent private companies from exploiting corps members as cheap labor while promoting capacity building in the public sector.
In the memo, Olawande explained that the policy review aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to combat youth unemployment and prepare Nigerian graduates for the labor market.
“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,” Olawande stated.
The new directive will initially take effect in Lagos and Abuja, with corps members now eligible for placements in banks, oil and gas companies, and other private sector organisations.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: FG Increases Corps Members Monthly Allowance To N77,000
Olawande emphasized that the updated policy aims to ensure that corps members gain valuable experience in their chosen fields of study. “The now-revoked policy greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market,” the memo added.
The policy shift has sparked a mix of reactions. Some youth advocates and corps members hailed the move as a step in the right direction for enhancing employability. However, concerns remain about the potential for exploitation in the private sector.
The NYSC Secretariat is expected to release further details on implementation, including guidelines for private sector organisations to ensure the program’s integrity and protect corps members’ welfare.
This decision marks a significant shift in the NYSC program, which has long been seen as a cornerstone of national development and youth empowerment.