🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
House of Representatives directs government agencies to cease rejecting National Youth Service Corps members
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The House of Representatives has instructed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies MDAs to stop rejecting National Youth Service Corps NYSC members assigned to them for their mandatory one-year service. This directive, following a motion by Mr. Rodney Ambaiowei, member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, addresses concerns that the practice undermines the NYSC scheme's objectives of national integration and youth development. The NYSC, established in 1973 by General Yakubu Gowon, aims to foster national unity by deploying graduates to different states, promoting interaction and community development. Mr. Ambaiowei highlighted that rejecting corps members defeats the scheme's purpose, deprives graduates of practical experience, and wastes public funds, as the government continues to pay allowances regardless of engagement. The House mandated all MDAs, including the National Assembly, to create structured work plans for effective engagement of corps members and integrate them into the economic value chain. The House Committee on Youth Development is tasked with collaborating with the Director-General of the NYSC to develop a comprehensive framework for deployment and utilization. This resolution comes amid increasing complaints from corps members regarding poor placement, underutilization, and outright rejection by public institutions, often due to staffing constraints or lack of structured programs.
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