The Director-General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged employers to provide corps members with meaningful job assignments relevant to their qualifications.
Nafiu made the call in Kaduna at the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop.
The workshop, themed “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience” was held simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
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Nafiu, represented by the Director, NYSC, North West Area Office, Mrs Mercy Dawuda, said meaningful workplace engagement would enable corps members to acquire practical experience, develop professional competencies and contribute effectively to national development.
He stressed that employers must complement job placements with mentorship, supervision and opportunities for professional growth throughout the service year.
According to him, corps members who were properly integrated into the workplace would become more motivated, innovative and committed to delivering value to their organisations.
The NYSC boss stressed that the success of the scheme depended largely on effective collaboration among corps employers, government agencies and other stakeholders.
He commended corps employers for their continued support, describing their contributions as vital to the successful implementation of the NYSC programme.
Nafiu reminded employers of their statutory responsibilities, including providing accommodation or allowances in lieu, transportation support and ensuring corps members’ welfare and security.
He also urged employers to grant corps members time to participate in Community Development Service activities and attend official NYSC programmes.
The DG said corps members’ welfare extended beyond physical needs to include safety, mental well-being, professional development and a sense of belonging.
He urged them to maintain workplaces free from discrimination, exploitation, harassment and abuse to enhance productivity and service delivery.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Efeke Dadaza, described the workshop as a platform for reviewing policies and receiving feedback from corps employers.
She said the engagement would help address operational challenges and strengthen the partnership between the Scheme and employers.
Dadaza, however, decried unethical practices by some employers and corps members, including the use of proxies, unauthorised leave and extortion.
She urged employers to provide proper supervision and a safe, conducive working environment to enable corps members to complete their service successfully.
Also speaking, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Youth Development, Gloria Ibrahim, represented by Mrs Lami Usman, reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting corps members’ welfare, safety and professional growth.
