Reps Move To End Rejection Of NYSC Members By MDAs

The House of Representatives has called on government Ministries, departments and agencies to stop rejecting members of the National Youth Services Corps, NYSC, warning that the practise undermines the scheme’s purpose and wastes public funds.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored By Member  representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Rodney Ambaiowei,
who expressed concern that many government offices are increasingly turning away corps members posted to them for their mandatory one-year national service.

The Lawmaker noted that the NYSC was established in 1973 under the administration of former military head of state to promote national unity, reconciliation and reconstruction after the civil war by deploying graduates to serve in regions outside their states of origin.

According to Ambaiowei, the
the scheme has, over the years, contributed to national integration, workforce development and community service, with benefits including improved service delivery, inter-ethnic relationships and local economic contributions.

However, legislators warned that the increasing rejection of corps members by government institutions has created setbacks, leaving many young graduates without meaningful assignments and exposing them to exploitation in the private sector or involvement in crime.

The House also raised concerns over the economic implications, noting that the federal government continues to pay stipends to corps members who are not effectively engaged, thereby reducing the overall value of the program.

Adopting the motion, lawmakers urged all ministries, departments and agencies, including the National Assembly, to integrate corps members into their operations and develop structured work plans to accommodate them.

The House further mandated its Committee on Youth Development to work with the NYSC Director-General to develop a framework for better engagement and utilization of corps members during their service year.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji