The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NYSC

  • Katsina Institute raises alarm over rising unemployment among NYSC graduates

    Katsina Institute raises alarm over rising unemployment among NYSC graduates

    The Institute for Humanitarian and Disaster Management in Katsina has expressed concern over the growing unemployment challenges confronting NYSC passouts.

    Registrar of the Institute, Ephraim Aiyada, made the observation while addressing newly sworn-in corps members currently undergoing orientation at the NYSC camp in Katsina.

    He lamented the recurring struggles faced by fresh graduates, including repeated job applications that go unanswered.

    According to him, many applicants are not rejected for a lack of academic degrees but for a lack of work experience or professional qualifications, which recruiters now consider crucial.

    “Many applicants fail not because they lack degrees, but because they lack either years of work experience or professional qualifications. Employers often decide the fate of an application within 30 seconds,” he said. “Once I pick your document, I go straight to your qualifications and years of work experience. If both are missing, I look for professional certifications. Without experience or skills, no employer will invite you.”

    Aiyada further explained that professional skills can serve as substitutes for work experience, giving fresh graduates a competitive edge. He recalled a 2018 case where a first-class graduate lost a job to a second-class applicant who had three professional certifications.

    “This is why many graduates continue applying without success. Your degree class cannot carry you alone. Professional training fills the gap,” he added.

    He commended NYSC for introducing initiatives such as SAED and partnering with professional bodies to equip corps members with relevant certifications.

    He noted that through the Institute for Humanitarian and Disaster Management and the Institute for Global Peace and Conflict Management, over 20 professional courses, along with a Postgraduate Diploma, membership certificates, and professional licenses, are offered at highly subsidized rates with flexible payment plans for corps members.

    A key moment of the event was the recognition of two outstanding NYSC staff members, the Orientation Camp PRO, Alex Obeamta, and Muhammad Bakori, for their dedication to corps members’ welfare and development.

    The Institute praised both officers for their commitment to mentorship, discipline, and professional growth within the NYSC community.

  • Fubara approves upgrade of NYSC facilities in Rivers

    Fubara approves upgrade of NYSC facilities in Rivers

    The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the upgrade and renovation of facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Rivers State. 

    Fubara gave the approval while receiving the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu on a working visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.

    Fubara said Rivers remained peaceful and hospitable, noting that he was not surprised by reports that many graduates and parents preferred the state for national service. 

    He said, “Rivers State is a very hospitable state. We have a very wonderful nature; we accommodate. And the truth is that we are also a peaceful people. 

    “So, I am not surprised when you talked about the surge in people wanting and struggling to come to Rivers State, and when parents are also very happy that their children are coming to Rivers State because of our spirit of accommodation.”

    Fubara said the state’s stability reflected the core duty of government to protect lives and property and provide basic amenities.

    He said, “The purpose of government, basically, is to protect lives and property, and to provide basic amenities and a stable economy. That is the basic function of government; everything else is secondary. And we are doing what we should do as a government.”

    The governor directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benino Anabraba to assess the required work at the camp and submit a report for immediate action. 

    He assured that the state would provide office space for the newly established NYSC regional office and consider the relocation or remodeling of the NYSC State Secretariat, which he described as no longer befitting.

    “We agree that this agency is a federal agency. But who are the people closest to these facilities? They are Rivers State people. So it is also on us to ensure that we do whatever we can to put these places in order and make them comfortable for both our people and the visitors,”

    “So, I can assure you that the complaints you have raised particularly the need to expand the facility in line with your projection for next year have been noted. Secretary to the State Government, please take note of that. The few repairs that were also mentioned, and other things that need to be sorted out, should be scoped properly and brought to my attention.”

    The NYSC Director-General, Brig.- Gen. Olakunle Nafiu said he was in the state as part of a nationwide tour of orientation camps. 

    He disclosed that 2,586 corps members were currently undergoing the 2025 Batch C orientation programme in Rivers State, making the state the fourth most preferred deployment destination adding that 8,349 indigenes of Rivers were also serving in various states.

    The DG highlighted the contributions of corps members to national development, saying their services saved the state up to ₦15bn annually if valued at full salary rates. 

    He sais: “With this figure, Rivers is the fourth destination across the country with the highest number of corps members after Lagos, FCT and Oyo.

    “It goes to show that corps members are welcomed here. The security of lives and property we have in this state gives confidence to the parents and guardians of corps members posted here.”

    He thanked the governor for the state’s support including land for residence and plans to improve camp facilities.

    He appealed for the reconstitution of the state and local government NYSC governing boards and requested the relocation of the NYSC office currently situated in a congested market area in Mile 2, Diobu.

    The DG noted that the NYSC, which began in 1973/74 with 2,764 corps members, now has over 400,000 participants. 

    He said over 650,000 graduates were qualified for mobilisation for the 2026 service year, making expansion of facilities necessary nationwide.

  • Radda lauds NYSC for contribution to Kastina manpower, community development

    Radda lauds NYSC for contribution to Kastina manpower, community development

    Katsina Governor Dikko Radda has lauded the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for posting members to the State to meet its manpower needs and community development. 

    Raadda added the State would not have achieved current level of development in key sectors without the meaningful contributions of NYSC members posted to the State.

    The Governor was speaking at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Katsina, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 corp members deployed to the State. 

    Represented by the Youth and Sports Development Commissioner, Engineer Suraj Yazid; Radda identified the health and educational sectors as major areas where corp members had made meaningful contributions in the state. 

    He  said: “NYSC members have made much impact in the area of community development services, especially in the rural areas of the State.

     “I wish to place on record our appreciation of the contributions of corp members in Community Development Service (CDS) projects and augmenting the manpower needs in our educational and health sectors”

    “I challenge you therefore to line up to the standard already set by you predecessors to the progress and development of Katsina State and the nation in general.’

    “Let me reiterate that during your stay in this camp and throughout your service year, you are to shun cultism, political as well as religious tolerance or any other form of anti-social behaviour. 

    “You are to be guided by the motto of the National Youth Service Corps’ scheme which is Service to Humanity bearing in mind the Oath of Allegiance you have sworn to uphold.”

    Kastina NYSC coordinator, Ibrahim Saidu said s total of 1,195 corp members had registered for the orientation camp, with 695 of them males and 499 females. 

    Saidu said part of the three week camp would involve training on entrepreneurship skills for self-reliance and economic empowerment for the corp members. 

    He called on the corp members to ensure full participation in the camp’s activities, as doing so would make them prepared for the future ahead of them.

  • 74 corps members escape terrorists’ abduction in Borno

    74 corps members escape terrorists’ abduction in Borno

    Seventy-four National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have escaped abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.

    They escaped abduction through the swift intervention of troops of Operation Hadin Kai, a joint military operation against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the North East.

    The corps members comprised 36 males and 38 females.

    Explaining the situation, the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col. Sani Uba, said the possible abduction of the corps members was foiled at about 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot.

    According to Uba, a military patrol team was “swiftly” deployed to the scene after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, monitored by troops, detected suspicious movement involving three buses at the location.

    Read Also: Air strikes kill terrorists in Borno, pound hideouts in Katsina, Kwara

    “On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults.

    “The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area,” Uba said.

    He said the rescued NYSC members are currently being accommodated at the Buratai military base, pending further arrangements for their safe movement.

  • NYSC extends 2025 Batch ‘C’ registration till midnight, Nov. 11

    NYSC extends 2025 Batch ‘C’ registration till midnight, Nov. 11

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the registration period for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) till midnight of Nov. 11.

    In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, the Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said the registration deadline was extended to enable Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) conclude registration.

    She noted that the extension became necessary following difficulties faced by some PCMs in the ongoing registration for mobilisation.

    Read Also: Abia approves 1,150 per cent increase in NYSC allowance

    Embu, however, said that the longer than usual time it was taking some PCMs to complete the registration was as a result of network issues.

    She said “while management regrets the inconvenience this might have caused our valued PCMs, we wish to assure all that we are working round the clock to resolve the issues and ensure they enjoy seamless registration.”

    (NAN)

  • Abia approves 1,150 per cent increase in NYSC allowance

    Abia approves 1,150 per cent increase in NYSC allowance

    The Abia Government has announced a 1,150 per cent increase in the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Government’s gesture raises the allowance from N4,000 to between N20,000 and N50,000.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s security not negotiable — Tinubu

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Njoku Ukoha, disclosed this in a statement issued in Umuahia and made available to newsmen on Friday.

    Njoku stated that the new structure introduced a N20,000 base allowance for all corps members serving in the state.

  • NYSC to Corps members: ‘uphold neutrality, integrity’

    NYSC to Corps members: ‘uphold neutrality, integrity’

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State has charged corps members to remain politically neutral and uphold the highest standards of integrity as they prepare to serve as ad hoc personnel in the November 8 governorship election.

    Its State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, gave the advice during a Zonal Sensitisation Programme, where she warned the over 3,000 corps members in attendance against any form of partisanship, inducement, or misconduct during the election.

    Read Also: NANS urges Tinubu to shield Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo from false NYSC allegations

    “You are ambassadors of the NYSC. Your duty is to serve the nation impartially, with discipline, integrity, and courage. Remember—your neutrality is sacred, and your integrity is non-negotiable,” she stated.

  • NYSC just got more cumbersome

    NYSC just got more cumbersome

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme is overdue for rejigging to make it less cumbersome, safer, and more attractive to potential corps members. About 650,000 of them are projected to be mobilised next year. But a perusal of Nigeria’s political development casts doubt on whether some of the key objectives of the scheme are even realisable. It is unclear, therefore, whether the federal government’s proposal to qualify a corps member is really the appropriate measure to embark on at the moment, not to talk of stampeding the process to commence on October 6.

    Read Also: We’ve not been served court order on tinted glass permit – Police

    To be mobilised for the scheme, a graduate is expected to attach comprehensive proof of his dissertation in compliance with the national policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD). The government’s logic is that the NERD requirements could not be satisfied by other means, and that the measure would help raise educational standards. Again, the government presupposes that high standard is an abstraction uncorrelated with Nigeria’s abysmally poor educational infrastructure. However, the government includes some reward scheme for students and lecturers alike in the NERD policy. But is the government saying the reward schemes couldn’t be secured by other means, except by the NYSC route?

    Potential corps members already apprehensive about being posted to danger zones will be reluctant to complain against this extra layer of bureaucracy; but it will certainly add to their frustrations about the country, not to say the frustrations of parents who have always subsidised a scheme that can no longer pay for corpers’ upkeep.

  • FULL LIST: Reviewed mandatory requirements for mobilisation or exemption from NYSC for graduates

    FULL LIST: Reviewed mandatory requirements for mobilisation or exemption from NYSC for graduates

    From October 6, graduates will not be mobilised or exempted from NYSC without proof of compliance with the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD) policy, The Nation reports.

    Recently, President Bola Tinubu invoked provisions of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act to approve a mandatory compliance with the national policy for NERD as a requirement for mobilisation into or exemption from the scheme.

    The compliance directive, which is in line with Sections 2(4)(4) and 16(1)(C) of the Act, was part of an enforcement circular recently issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

    Apart from provisions in the policy meant to check certificate racketeering and honour abuse, one of the new mandatory requirements of Nigerian students in the policy is the deposit of academic outputs, which include thesis or project reports.

    In Section 6.1.23 of the policy, the requirement is designed “as a quality assurance check and as a yearly independent proof of continuous academic enrolment and affiliation” as it is expected to inviolably time-stamp scholarship, academic activities, and footprint regardless of location.

    The SGF’s circular has now clarified a directive earlier issued by the Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, that, effective from October 6, no Nigerian graduate – whether from a Nigerian university, polytechnic, college of education, or an overseas institution will henceforth be mobilised for or exempted from NYSC without proof of NERD compliance.

    READ ALSO; Jonathan will contest 2027 presidency, says Jerry Gana

    A copy of the approved NERD policy showed that the President also approved an academic output monetisation and reward mechanism for students and their lecturers, which was proposed to the federal cabinet by Alausa to ensure students and lecturers can earn lifetime revenues from their academic deposits. The policy encourages each higher institution to set up its local repository.

    Besides, the policy creates an illuminated pathway with a well-structured collaborative framework where the various autonomous institutions had hitherto operated in silos. The federal government’s circular to Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and higher institutions of learning directs full enforcement of the NERD Policy.

    In addition, critical data bodies, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), are to provide inter-organisation data exchange support via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to facilitate onboarding and data validation.

    Underscoring the significance of the directive, spokesperson for NERD, Haula Galadima, explained that each item deposited by a student shall feature the full name of the student, and those of his supervisor, co-supervisor, if any, and that of the Head of Department (HoD), as well as the sponsoring institution and department.

    She said, “Apart from the mandate to verify for authenticity as a national flagship, the NERD digitisation programme has a clear objective – to raise the bar in the quality of academic content, output and presentation nationwide.

    “One way NERD intends to accomplish this task, based on its mandate, is to strengthen the supervision processes in the nation’s higher institutions without getting involved in the processes.

    “If our eminent scholars are aware that their names will appear next to those of the students they supervise on a globally available digital platform, there is the likelihood that each lecturer would up his or her standard. Very few lecturers would want their names associated with poorly produced academic works. NERD is therefore poised to help each lecturer earn his ‘earned allowances’ by providing thorough supervision.”

    The NERD Policy, it was learnt, is Nigeria’s answer to decades of intellectual waste. For too long, thousands of theses, dissertations, and research projects, with insights capable of transforming agriculture, medicine, engineering, and governance, have gathered dust in libraries, unorganised and untapped.

    The NYSC will now serve as a quality assurance check to enhance national productivity with a legal mandate to ensure all graduates are contributors to the national pool of knowledge, it stated.

    From March 30 each year, all organisations and higher institutions must now file annual compliance reports to NERD, enhancing monitoring and evaluation to ensure sustainability, continuity, and accountability.

  • 650,000 Corps members to be mobilised next year, says NYSC boss

    650,000 Corps members to be mobilised next year, says NYSC boss

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has said more than 650,000 graduates from tertiary institutions across the country and outside Nigeria will be mobilised for the mandatory national service programme next year.

    Its Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Oluseye, announced this yesterday in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the service at the seventh National Day of Identity organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    Oluseye said about 400,000 Corps members were mobilised this year, stressing the significance of a secure and trusted national identity database for mobilisation across the country.

    Highlighting the essence of National Identity Numbers (NIN) in the mobilisation of Corps members, the NYSC DG recalled that in 2023, an investigative journalist who attempted to register as a Corps member was identified after making multiple attempts through the registration portal.

    READ ALSO: The INEC chairman as kingmaker

    Oluseye, who did not state the motive behind the journalist’s attempts, explained that the system the agency had put in place exposed the individual through his email, phone numbers, and passport.

    According to him, it is now practically impossible for any individual who has passed through the system to attempt to be mobilised as a Corps member, or anyone who has nothing to do with NYSC to be mobilised.

    The NYSC DG applauded the collaboration between NIMC and the agency, saying it has helped to eliminate multiple registrations and fraudulent enrolment.

    He described the process of Corps mobilisation as faster and clearer at the moment, adding that noticeable challenges were also being addressed.