NYSC Raises Alarm Over Rising Rejection of Corps Members by Employers

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expressed growing concern over the increasing number of corps members being rejected by their assigned places of primary assignment across the country.

This concern was voiced by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, during the 2025 Annual NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop held in Jos. Represented by Mrs. Gbamisola Salami, the Deputy Director for the North-Central Zone, Nafiu addressed stakeholders on the critical role corps employers play in shaping the service year experience of young Nigerian graduates.

According to him, employers are essential partners in nation-building, as they provide corps members with the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, gain valuable experience, and develop professional skills. However, he lamented the growing trend of rejections, which denies corps members this opportunity and undermines the objectives of the NYSC scheme.

Shortcomings Among Corps Employers

Beyond rejections, the NYSC leadership also identified other issues during routine inspection exercises. These include:

• Failure or delay in applying for corps members
• Inadequate provision of statutory welfare and support
• Unethical or inhumane treatment in some workplaces

The Director-General called on employers to be more responsive to the challenges corps members face and to build supportive work environments that prioritize their well-being and growth. He emphasized that a healthy, respectful, and professional work culture is vital for enhancing productivity and fulfilling the NYSC’s core mission.

A Call for Stronger Partnerships

Brig.-Gen Nafiu further highlighted the importance of synergy between the NYSC and corps employers. According to him, a cooperative relationship is necessary to ensure the relevance and sustainability of the scheme in developing future leaders for Nigeria.

“By working hand-in-hand, we can ensure that the NYSC programme remains impactful, purposeful, and central to national development,” he said.

He also acknowledged and appreciated employers who have shown dedication and consistency in supporting the NYSC, expressing hope for even deeper collaboration in the future.

Workshop Theme and Purpose

Earlier in the workshop, Plateau State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Jonathan Yavala, explained that the event aimed to improve communication and cooperation between the NYSC and corps employers. The goal, he said, is to ensure a smooth deployment process and productive engagement for corps members.

The workshop, themed “Partners in Progress: Corps Employers’ Role in Enhancing Corps Members’ Well-being and Productivity,” was described as timely and relevant in light of the scheme’s ongoing efforts to redefine its impact in society.

Mr. Yavala stressed that corps employers are more than just supervisors—they are mentors and role models who influence the lives of young Nigerians during their transition into the workforce.

He encouraged employers to uphold principles of empathy, purpose, and professionalism in their treatment of corps members, noting that a positive working environment contributes greatly to productivity and personal development.

Government Endorsement

Also speaking at the event, Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Musa Ashoms, who doubles as the NYSC State Governing Board Chairman, commended the NYSC for organizing the workshop.

He described it as a strategic platform to bring all stakeholders together and ensure corps members are properly integrated into the workforce while contributing meaningfully to national development.

According to Ashoms, creating an enabling work environment is not just a duty to corps members but also an investment in the future of Nigeria.