Victoria Mbangwa
In a significant shift from past policy, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that corps members will now be allowed to serve in private sector.
This was disclosed in a memo issued by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande on November 18, 2024.
Olawande said Corps members will be allowed to serve in private organizations, including banks, oil and gas companies, and other corporate entities.
According to him, the policy change aims to address the rising unemployment challenges faced by Nigerian youth and help corps members gain practical experience in fields directly related to their academic studies.
He said the new policy will take effect with the 2024 Batch ‘C’ orientation exercise, marking a major departure from previous years when postings were restricted to the public sector.
Olawande emphasized that by lifting the restrictions on corps member postings, the government hopes to better equip youth with the skills and experience needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.
The memo reads, “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 per 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.
“The directive contained herein will take effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course and applies in relation to any matter relating to the posting and distribution of corps members to Places of Primary Assignment.”
