The Federal Government has announced the lifting of restrictions on the posting of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to private sector organizations, including banks and oil and gas companies. This marks a significant policy shift, with the new directive set to take effect during the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise.
Policy Update to Address Youth Unemployment
In a memo dated November 18, 2024, Ayodele Olawande, the Minister for Youth Development, highlighted the rationale behind the decision. According to Olawande, this move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to tackle the growing challenge of youth unemployment by expanding opportunities for corps members to gain industry-specific experience in line with their fields of study.
“This initiative is part of the government’s vision to create an enabling environment for Nigerian youths to develop skills that enhance their employability,” the minister explained.
A Shift from the Previous Policy
Under the administration of former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, corps members were restricted to placements in four public sector-focused areas: education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. This policy aimed to build public sector capacity and deter private organizations from exploiting corps members as cheap labor.
However, critics argued that the restriction limited corps members’ exposure to opportunities in the private sector, leaving many unprepared for the demands of the competitive labor market.
Key Features of the New Directive
The revised policy introduces the following changes:
- Removal of Restrictions: Corps members can now be posted to private sector organizations, including select banks and companies in the oil and gas sector.
- Alignment with Areas of Study: The postings will prioritize placing corps members in roles relevant to their academic backgrounds.
- Pilot Locations: Implementation will commence in Lagos and Abuja before potential nationwide adoption.
The memo emphasized the need for flexibility and inclusiveness in corps member postings, stating:
“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 now-revoked policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market.”
Potential Impact
The policy is expected to foster stronger ties between the NYSC and the private sector, offering young Nigerians valuable work experiences in industries critical to the nation’s economy. This is seen as a step towards addressing skill gaps and improving the employability of graduates.
While the change has been welcomed by many, concerns remain about its implementation and ensuring fair treatment for corps members in private sector placements. Observers will closely watch the rollout in Lagos and Abuja to assess its effectiveness and scalability.
This development underscores the Tinubu administration’s focus on youth empowerment and employment generation as central pillars of its governance agenda.