In a significant move to address the nation’s high youth unemployment rate, the Federal Government of Nigeria has revoked all prior directives restricting postings within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
This change, outlined in a memo dated November 18, 2024, from Minister of Youth Development Comrade Ayodele Olawande to the NYSC Director General, will take effect starting with the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, of Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, issued to journalists in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to the Minister of Youth Development, this directive falls in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for harmonious operation among government ministries, agencies, and parastatals. The Minister emphasised the President’s deep concern about rising youth unemployment and his expectation for the Ministry of Youth Development and its affiliates to play a key role in tackling this issue.
He highlighted that the current National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting policy, established during the tenure of former Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, limits postings to four sectors: Education, Agriculture, Health, and Infrastructure.
The Minister explained that the argument of Mr. Abdullahi at the time was that while the government was funding the NYSC, many private sector organisations were no longer employed because of the easy access to cheap corps labour, adding that the former Minister was largely right, moreover, he said, the fact that many corps members who require specialised training in their areas of study are limited by the posting policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market.
“Therefore, as we battle unemployment crisis, 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. Without prejudice to the need to constantly review following prevailing realities, I now direct as follows: Lifting of all restrictions on postings.
“Posting of corps members to, as much as practicable, be in line with their course of study, posting of corps members to select banks and other private sector organisations, including those operating in oil and gas, to commence with Abuja and Lagos.
“I hereby revoke all previous directives relating to posting restrictions with effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course.
“The directive contained herein will take effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course, and applies to any matter relating to the posting and distribution of corps members to Places of Primary Assignment, he stated.
Dominica Nwabufo
Comments are closed.