The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has voiced deep concern about the escalating number of corps members being rejected by their assigned employers across Nigeria.
This troubling trend was highlighted by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, during the 2025 Annual NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop held on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State.
Represented at the event by Gbamisola Salami, Deputy Director for the North-Central Zone, Brig.-Gen Nafiu stressed the pivotal role employers play in shaping the service year experience for corps members.
“Employers provide vital platforms where corps members can apply their skills, gain hands-on experience, and grow professionally,” he said.
However, the Director-General lamented that rising rejection rates are denying many corps members these crucial opportunities.
He also revealed findings from recent NYSC inspections that uncovered additional challenges, including delays or failures in applying for corps members, inadequate provision of statutory welfare, and, in some instances, poor treatment of corps members.
Brig.-Gen Nafiu urged employers to acknowledge the difficulties faced by corps members and to foster supportive work environments that enhance their well-being and productivity.
He emphasized that a collaborative partnership between the NYSC and employers is essential to uphold the scheme’s mission of nurturing Nigeria’s future leaders.
“Together, we can make the NYSC programme more relevant, effective, and impactful,” he added, expressing gratitude to employers who have demonstrated commitment to the scheme.
The Plateau State NYSC Coordinator, Jonathan Yavala, highlighted that the workshop aimed to strengthen communication and cooperation between corps members and employers.
He underscored the theme, “Partners in Progress: Corps Employers’ Role in Enhancing Corps Members’ Well-being and Productivity,” as timely and crucial for deepening the scheme’s contribution to national development.
Yavala reminded employers that their role transcends supervision; they are mentors and collaborators shaping the future of young Nigerians.
He called on them to create a conducive, empathetic, and professional work environment that supports corps members’ growth and productivity.
In his remarks, Musa Ashoms, Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, applauded the NYSC for organizing the workshop.
He noted that such initiatives are vital to ensuring corps members not only gain exposure to work environments but also contribute meaningfully to their host communities and the nation.