The Traffic

In a bold move to ensure that no corps member is left behind, the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has announced plans to send a strong directive to President Bola Tinubu, mandating all government agencies and parastatals to accept National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for their mandatory one-year service, putting an end to the widespread rejection of corps members.

This groundbreaking policy, revealed at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, comes on the heels of the Federal Government’s recent decision to lift the ban on corps members being posted to private sector organisations such as banks, oil companies, and other industries. The move is set to drastically improve opportunities for Nigerian graduates to gain hands-on experience and contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

No More Rejection – A Game Changer for Corps Members
Minister Olawande addressed concerns surrounding the possibility that some government agencies might still refuse to accept corps members, despite the government’s clear directive. He assured the public that the ministry is taking action to eliminate these barriers.

“We are aware that some agencies and parastatals have rejected corps members in the past, but this will not be tolerated any longer,” Olawande stated. “We will be sending a memo to the President, instructing all government agencies to stop rejecting corps members. This is a process, and we’re working to ensure that no corps member faces rejection in the future.”

Opening New Doors for Corps Members in the Private Sector
Previously, government policies restricted the posting of corps members to specific sectors, creating a gap in opportunities for many young graduates. This new directive is a game-changer, allowing corps members to be posted to the private sector, where they can gain critical experience in fields like banking, oil and gas, and more.

Olawande further elaborated on this shift, stating, “It’s important for corps members to have access to diverse experiences. For example, banks can benefit from the fresh perspectives corps members bring. And corps members can gain valuable industry experience, which is essential for their personal and professional growth.”

Delayed Allowances Coming Soon
Amid discussions of policy changes, the Minister also addressed concerns over the delayed implementation of the newly increased allowance for corps members, which was raised to ₦77,000. Olawande reassured the public that the government is working hard to ensure the payments are processed and distributed without further delay.

“The increase in allowance has already been approved, and we are in the final stages of implementation,” Olawande said. “It’s not rocket science – the process is in motion, and corps members will soon see the increased allowance. We are committed to implementing this perfectly.”

A Bright Future for Corps Members
With this new mandate, Nigeria’s youth will see a significant shift in the opportunities available to them during their NYSC year. The combination of increased allowance and expanded opportunities in both government and private sectors is a massive win for young Nigerians, paving the way for personal growth, economic empowerment, and an enhanced workforce.

As the government moves forward with these reforms, the future of the nation’s corps members looks brighter than ever. Will this policy transformation spark a wave of innovation and opportunity for the country’s youth? The answer is yet to unfold, but the signs are promising.