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Tag: NYSC

  • Fed Govt lifts restrictions on NYSC posting

    Fed Govt lifts restrictions on NYSC posting

    …NYSC to post in line with course of study

    The federal government has revoked all previous directives regarding posting restrictions in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    A memo dated November 18, 2024, from the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, to the NYSC Director General, stated that this lifting of restrictions will take effect from the start date of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course.

    Olawande stated that the ministerial directive aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to ensure all government ministries, agencies, and parastatals operate in harmony with the administration’s overall vision.

    The minister said President Tinubu was “highly concerned about the rising rate of youth unemployment.”

    “As a result, he expects the Ministry of Youth Development and its affiliated agencies to take a leading role in addressing the issue,” the minister said in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Omolara Esan on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The minister said that the current National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting policy, established during the tenure of former Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, limited postings to four sectors: Education, Agriculture, Health, and Infrastructure.

    He explained that the argument of the former minister at the time was that while the government was funding the NYSC, many private sector organisations were no longer employed because of the easy access to cheap corps labour, adding that the former minister was largely right, moreover, he said, the fact that many corps members who require specialised training in their areas of study are limited by the posting policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market.

    Read Also: Minister: NYSC cornerstone to national integration

    “Therefore, as we battle the unemployment crisis, 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 in accordance with 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.

    “I hereby revoke all previous directives relating to posting restrictions with effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course.

    “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,” the minister said.

  • Minister: NYSC cornerstone to national integration

    Minister: NYSC cornerstone to national integration

    The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has said the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been a cornerstone programme for national integration and development since its inception in 1973.

    Mahmoud said this during the NYSC pre-mobilisation workshop yesterday in Abuja.

    She stressed that the programme was designed to foster unity among young Nigerians.

    The minister, who was the chief host of the event, said the theme of the workshop: Strengthening the NYSC Mobilisation Process for Effective Service Delivery, resonated deeply with the aspirations of the national vision.

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    Mahmoud urged stakeholders to play a critical role in shaping the experiences of young Nigerian graduates and equip themselves with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to contribute positively to the society.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by her Special Assistant (Media), Austine Elemue, the minister said: “We are in a dynamic world where the needs of our communities are evolving rapidly.

    “Therefore, our prospective corps members must be prepared to meet these challenges with creativity, resilience, and spirit of innovation.

    “This workshop is an opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and collaborate on strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of the NYSC programme.”

    Mahmoud hailed the leadership of the NYSC for its unwavering commitment to im proving the quality of service rendered by corps members.

    “Your dedication to training and preparing our youths for the responsibilities they will undertake is commendable. By investing in their development, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” she said.

    Welcoming participants to the training, NYSC’s Director General, Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, noted that over the years, the scheme had been in the vanguard of nation-building, fostering unity among the different nationalities as well as playing critical role in national development.

     He said: “The imprint of the scheme is all over the landscape of our nation – from the mega cities to the very rural communities of Nigeria.”

    Ahmed said the mobilisation process was a critical component of the service year that deserved all seriousness, adding that effective service delivery remained central to a successful mobilisation process.

    The director general pledged that the management was committed to ensuring that the right things were done at all times – from the beginning to the end of the mobilisation process.

  • NYSC cornerstone to national integration, says FG 

    NYSC cornerstone to national integration, says FG 

    Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mariya Mahmoud has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), programme as a cornerstone of national integration and development since its inception in 1973.

    Mahmoud said this during the NYSC pre-mobilisation workshop in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

    She stressed that the programme was designed to foster unity among young Nigerians.

    The Minister, who was the Chief Host of the event, noted that the theme of the workshop: “Strengthening the NYSC mobilisation process for effective service delivery” resonates deeply with the aspirations of the national vision.

    She charged stakeholders to play critical role in shaping the experiences of young Nigerian graduates, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to contribute positively to the society.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by her Special Assistant (Media), Austine Elemue, the minister said: “We are in a dynamic world where the needs of our communities are evolving rapidly.

    “Therefore, our prospective corps members must be prepared to meet these challenges with creativity, resilience, and spirit of innovation.

    “This workshop is an opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and collaborate on strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of the NYSC programme,” she stated. 

    The Minister commended leadership of the NYSC for unwavering commitment to improving the quality of service rendered by corps members.

    Read Also: NYSC members demand N77,000 allowance implementation amid hardship

    “Your dedication to training and preparing our youth for the responsibilities they will undertake is commendable. By investing in their development, we are investing in the future of Nigeria,” she stressed.

    While welcoming participants to the occasion, the NYSC Director General, Brig Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, noted that over the years, the NYSC programme has been the vanguard of nation building, fostering unity among the different nationalities as well as playing critical role in national development.

    According to him: “The imprints of the scheme is all over the landscape of our nation from the mega cities to the very rural communities of Nigeria.”

  • NYSC members call for N77,000 allowance implementation

    NYSC members call for N77,000 allowance implementation

    National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have the Federal Government implement the promised N77,000 allowance to alleviate the economic hardship they were going through.

    The corps members took to their social media handles to share their concerns on Wednesday.

    They said in spite of Federal Government’s  approval of new minimum wage,  in July 2024, corps members were still receiving the old allowance of N33,000.

    According to them, the old allowance is no longer sustainable due to high transportation, feeding, and NYSC other daily expenses.

    The Twitter reactions read: “3 months after, the Federal Government still believes that N33k is enough for NYSC members to survive,” twitted @NoorAjuwon.

    “How can we even concentrate on our primary assignment with N33k in this current economic situation?” asked @Arbdoolbasid_Jr.

    Read Also: Govt raises NYSC members’ allowance to N77,000

    “High transportation costs: @Eze_na_ujari spends N5,000 on transportation and N2,000 on Community Development Service (CDS) contributions, leaving him with N26,000 from the N33,000 allowance.

    “Poor living conditions: @blazzin_225 described the situation as “suffering and wickedness” due to bad NYSC lodges, dilapidated bathrooms and toilets, and starvation

    Another tweet at @officialABAT was urged, “See us as your children too. We’re dying.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Federal Government approved the new minimum wage after the expiration of the old wage structure in April. The new approval is expected to be extended to corps members.

    (NAN)

  • Open letter to education minister

    Open letter to education minister

    • By Olayinka Iroye

    Sir: On behalf of Nigerians and the academic community, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. Nigerians are confident that under your leadership, the education sector will witness transformative and much-needed reforms.

    As you assume this critical office, I urge you to address an urgent issue affecting many young Nigerians: the restriction on mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) imposed on Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates from Nigerian Polytechnics who completed their National Diploma (ND) on a part-time basis but transitioned to full-time HND programme. Despite their dedication and academic compliance, these students now face exclusion from NYSC mobilization due to a recent policy shift—a situation that has caused widespread disappointment and frustration for them, their families, and the society at large.

    This restriction has ignited a significant outcry across various platforms, with voices from scholars, media, student bodies such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) all appealing for a review of this policy. The affected students, many of whom have waited nearly a year find themselves ensnared by unanticipated policy changes. They deserve fair consideration, not penalization for following an educational path approved by the system itself.

    The implications of this exclusion are severe and far-reaching. For the students, this policy casts a shadow over their hard work and aspirations. For their families, who have made substantial financial sacrifices, the delay compounds frustrations. On a broader level, the exclusion signals a troubling message to young Nigerians, creating doubts about the credibility of our educational system and diminishing confidence in the polytechnic pathway.

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    Moreover, the resulting disruptions in polytechnics across the nation are a cause for concern. Protests, demonstrations, and a growing sense of alienation among students threaten the academic and administrative stability within these institutions. If left unaddressed, this issue could undermine campus peace, exacerbate disenchantment among students, and disrupt the broader learning environment.

    Honourable Minister, as you embark on the mission to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector, I respectfully request that you consider addressing this matter as one of your immediate priorities. We appeal to you to direct JAMB, NYSC, and other relevant agencies to mobilize these graduates in the upcoming NYSC batch. Such a decision would bring swift relief to affected students and their families, while demonstrating your commitment to equity, inclusivity, and the welfare of Nigeria’s youth.

    Addressing this issue with compassion will underscore your dedication to fairness and inclusivity in Nigerian education. With your leadership, I believe a fair and positive outcome is within reach.

    Once again, congratulations on your well-deserved appointment.

    •Olayinka Iroye,

     The Federal Polytechnic Offa

  • Provide adequate security for corps members in host communities, Reps tells IGP, NYSC

    Provide adequate security for corps members in host communities, Reps tells IGP, NYSC

    The House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Inspector General of Police and the management of the National Youth Service Scheme to provide adequate security for good habitation facilities for Youth Corp members across the country.

    The House also wants the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director-General of NYSC and relevant agencies to investigate this case of a missing Corp member, Okeke Chukwuemeka Godwin and initiate measures for the safety and welfare of Corp members in every host community. 

    In a resolution following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Nnolim Nnaji (PDP, Enugu), the House wants the IGP to intervene by conducting a comprehensive search and rescuing of Godwin, the missing Youth Corp member, as the matter is seriously affecting the lives and mental state of the family, most especially the mother.

    While moving the motion, Nnaji said the NYSC was established to engage Nigerian university graduates in effective community services and nation building across ethno-linguistic boundaries, however the scheme has been threatened by myriads of abductions, incessant attacks and murder due to the inadequate facilities and general welfare.

    According to him, there is an optimum obligation of providing safe environment and facilities for NYSC members on Federal and State Governments in conjunction with security agencies while serving or posted in various host communities.

    He expressed concern that Okeke Chukwuemeka Godwin from Umuanyi Village, Ovuorie, Ugbawka Community in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State has been missing till date, while serving in Ondo State under Batch 23B.

    He said the corps member was supposed to complete his NYSC program on June 17th, 2024, but got missing on May 9th, 2024, which was the particular day his parents couldn’t reach him on his mobile phone numbers till date.

    He disclosed that on the 13th of May, 2024, the mother of the missing Corp member, Mrs. Okeke Patience and his younger brother, went to Akure, Ondo State, to verify the situation and thereby visited his place of primary assignment and residence but could not get any vital information.

    He said: “The relatives reported the matter to the Nigerian Poli (Ijakpo Police Division) who sent signal to other police stations and the police headquarter in Ondo State for investigation, but after some interrogations, the family has not been fully communicated on the outcome of these investigations.

    “The relatives also reported the matter to the local government and State office of the NYSC, including the community leadership but up till date the matter is still pending without any information leading to his rescue.

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    “On the 19th of June, 2024, the mother of Godwin with two other relatives and a journalist visited the Ondo State Police Command, the NYSC State and local government offices, where the journalist made some inquiries and produced a documentary via Trust Television, meanwhile the mother visited and reported the matter and her ordeal at NYSC National Secretariat, Abuja.

    “The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State and the State Coordinator of NYSC with the management of the scheme have not taken adequate measures to search and rescue the missing Corp member.

    “The negative and culminating effects of various State Governments not being proactive in taking adequate measures to provide basic accommodation facilities, clinics, enabling environment and other necessities has been very devastating to the safety and welfare of corps members.”

  • NYSC decries poor accommodation, non-acceptance of corps members in Katsina public schools

    NYSC decries poor accommodation, non-acceptance of corps members in Katsina public schools

    The NYSC Katsina state coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, has expressed concern about the inadequate accommodation and lack of acceptance for corps members posted to public schools in the state.

    He said the situation made it challenging for corps members deployed to the state to find suitable places to stay and fulfil their service.

    The NYSC coordinator conveyed the concerns to the Executive Secretary of Katsina State Science and Technical Education Board, Professor Kabir Ibrahim Matazu, during a visit to the board.

    He also requested the executive secretary to intervene and urge the principals of Science and Technical Schools in the state to provide accommodation and accept corps members posted to their schools.

    He said: “Government Schools under the Ministry of Education that had the majority of the corps members deployed to them, do not have accommodation and neither do they pay any stipends in lieu of accommodation and transports to them and they, therefore, find it difficult to stay and serve in the state.’’

    The NYSC state coordinator further promised to send corps members in the relevant fields to the Science and Technical Schools and requested the Executive Secretary to put up a request letter to the NYSC when the Schools are ready

    The Executive Secretary also corroborated the concern of the NYSC boss during the visit by lamenting that most parents now send their children to private schools including those who are in government schools in Katsina state

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    He said: “If the proper thing has to be done, Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and all other Associations must be involved to raise and maintain the standards of the public Schools back to what they were in the past.’’

    “Even giving them raw food from time to time no matter how little will go a long way to encourage the corps member to stay and be focused’’

    He condemned a situation where a corps member will be posted to a school, with no accommodation, no means of transportation and there is no stipend in lieu.’’

    He promised to collaborate with the NYSC so that each school under the board would host at least 5 corps members every academic session, provide accommodation, and give them a monthly stipend of not less than 5000 naira.

  • Enhanced NYSC stipend

    Enhanced NYSC stipend

    •A welcome development but everyone entitled to it must be paid even if they have passed out before its implementation

    The approval of a 133% increase, in the monthly allowance of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, from N33,000 to N77,000, by the Federal Government, is a welcome development. We consider that good news for corps members, who are dedicating one year of their lives to serve their fatherland.

    The argument by some that the increase is not enough, is also plausible, considering the cost of living. We believe the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, which has shown significant interest in the welfare of the Nigerian youths, would look into the merits of the argument for a further enhancement, in due course. Announcing the increase in the allowance, Caroline Embu, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations of the NYSC said: “The Federal Government has approved the increase of corps members’ monthly allowance to seventy-seven thousand Naira (N77,000) with effect from July 2024. This is in line with the enactment of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024”. She said the approval was communicated through a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated September 25, 2024, which was signed by the Chairman, Ekpo Nta.

    We urge the authorities to ensure that the corps members entitled to the allowances from July 2024 get their due, even if some of them pass out before the implementation kicks off. If that assurance is given, those complaining now about the delay in its implementation would have little to worry about. Those benefiting from the primary posting of corps members should also be willing to supplement the allowances, by providing accommodation, transportation and security. They should ensure that the place of primary assignment is habitable and welcoming, considering that the corps members come from far- flung places, most times.

    But while seeking for an enhanced welfare package for the corps members, it is also fair to expect greater dedication to national service from the participants. Every participant in the programme must appreciate the very essence of the scheme, which is “primarily to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasise the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.”

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    The scheme was established after the Nigerian civil war, essentially to bridge the ethnic and cultural divides, that must have contributed to the unfortunate war. The corps members have over the years also bridged the shortage of manpower, especially in the remote parts of the country where job seekers may not want to work.

    Over the years, there are schools, hospitals and other social institutions which rely mainly on the corps members for their manpower needs. As one batch is leaving, another is replacing, and with a few permanent members of the staff, quality services are rendered to the community. There are also instances where corps members choose to stay put in their places of primary assignment after the one-year service.

    So, the NYSC scheme has been very helpful in forging national unity. But some participants have paid the supreme sacrifice due to the burgeoning insecurity that plague many parts of the country. Indeed, many parents have resisted posting of their wards to parts of the country where insecurity has overwhelmed communities and security agencies. While we support the scheme, we agree with dissenters that when the security of lives of participants are concerned, every precautionary measure must be taken to avoid any casualty. Considering the enormous benefits of the NYSC scheme and the state of the national economy, enhancing the well-being of the participants through increased allowance is a worthy venture. While not advocating for a salary due to a graduate, we support periodic increase in allowance, otherwise, it will be a case of parents of participants paying subvention to the nation for national service.

  • Ensure accountability in NYSC, DG urges internal auditors

    Ensure accountability in NYSC, DG urges internal auditors

    The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, has urged internal auditors to instil a culture of accountability in the scheme.

    Ahmed spoke at the opening of the NYSC Internal Auditors’ workshop with the theme: Enhancing, Efficiency and Effectiveness of Financial Operations in the Internal Control System – the Role of the Internal Auditor, yesterday in Abuja.

    Ahmed, who was represented by NYSC’s Director of Procurement, Mr. Chris Jimba, also urged them to ensure that the scheme’s financial practices adhered to the highest ethical and compliance standards.

    He stressed that it was crucial to reinforce the scheme’s internal financial control systems to avoid financial losses.

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    According to him, a weak internal control system can lead to severe consequences, including mismanagement of funds and financial losses due to lack of accountability.

    “Such negative outcomes can hinder the progress of the scheme, damage its credibility and erode public trust.

    “Therefore, it is crucial that we reinforce our internal financial control systems and be steadfast in safeguarding the resources of the scheme.

    “Moreover, by enhancing our financial controls, we are not only meeting regulatory requirements, but also advancing good governance,” Ahmed said.

    He told the auditors that their role was critical to ensuring financial integrity and efficiency within the scheme.

  • NYSC and late camp arrivals

    NYSC and late camp arrivals

    Participating in the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme is enormously hazardous for the average Nigerian graduate. They are plucked from their native areas of the country and posted to far-flung areas to promote cross-cultural exposure and national integration.

    Because they are alien in the areas they are posted, their first contact in those areas is the scheme’s orientation camp; meaning if they must get to the place before the camp opens, they (read: their parents/guardians) must be capable of funding interim accommodation in hotels. Meanwhile, those locations of posting are mostly not deadline friendly – requiring them travelling long hours, or days in some cases, to get there. Some have had to undertake overnight travels that have exposed them to acute dangers of insecurity and road safety hazards. For few areas that are accessible by air travel, air fares in the present socio-economy are utterly prohibitive. Even road travel under current economic realities is by no means easily affordable.

    Given these factors, ample room ideally need be made in timelines for registration by prospective corps members (PCMs) at orientation camps. But they face the extra hazard of very tight registration deadlines, failing which they could get turned back from those far-flung stations of posting. That was the reported experience of some PCMs in Niger State where dozens were turned back from the orientation camp in Paiko council area for narrowly missing camp registration deadline.

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    A video clip went viral lately showing a PCM who identified herself as Uwa Oze, saying she spent N40,000 travelling from her native Edo State to the Paiko camp but was turned back. In the clip, Oze recounted how PCMs were instructed after reporting in camp to return home, with many having travelled long distances down and out of funds to take them back home. “I was part of those who went for NYSC orientation camp, Batch B Stream II. We are part of those that were shifted to Batch C. I was later given a call-up letter. I am reporting from Niger; this is Niger. This early morning, they woke us up that we should be going back home. Some of us don’t have transport fare. They said, we should be going back home. Look at us,” she said in the clip as she showed in the background other PCMs in her situation.

    An online news outlet, The Whistler, reported contacting the spokesperson for NYSC in Niger State, Samuel Oga, who confirmed that the scheme turned back some PCMs. According to Oga, they were instructed to report between the 28th and 29th August, with registration scheduled for two days; but those being turned back arrived on the 30th or 31st and had missed the registration deadline.

    Really?!! NYSC cannot be too rigid with deadlines under prevailing circumstances.