The Federal Government has officially lifted the restriction barring National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from being posted to private sector organizations. This transformative decision enables corps members to now serve in industries such as banking, oil and gas, and other private sector entities.
According to The Punch, the policy shift, announced through a memo issued on November 18, 2024, by Ayodele Olawande, Minister for Youth Development, will take effect with the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Orientation exercise. It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s broader strategy to tackle youth unemployment and create meaningful employment pathways.
The previously enforced policy, implemented under former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, limited corps postings to public sector roles in education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. This approach was designed to curb private sector exploitation of low-cost labour while fostering capacity building in government sectors. However, Olawande highlighted that the restrictive policy inadvertently limited corps members’ ability to gain hands-on experience in fields directly relevant to their academic training.
“The new directive aims to expand opportunities for corps members by aligning postings with their areas of study, ensuring they gain practical experience that prepares them for the labour market,” Olawande stated. He added that the change would begin with postings in Lagos and Abuja, focusing on organizations that can provide robust career development opportunities.
According to the memo, corps members will now be considered for placement in select private sector companies, with emphasis on industries critical to Nigeria’s economic development. Olawande emphasized that this policy change would support the administration’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths and addressing the challenges of underemployment.
This development marks a significant shift in the NYSC framework, enhancing its role in preparing young Nigerians for the demands of a competitive job market.
