The Federal Government has lifted the ban that restricted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from being posted to the private sector.
This change allows corps members to serve in various private organizations, including banks and oil and gas companies.
The new policy, announced in a memo by Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande on November 18, 2024, will take effect with the upcoming 2024 Batch ‘C’ orientation exercise. The previous policy, established under former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, aimed to prevent exploitation of corps members as cheap labor in the private sector.
Also, the previous policy limited NYSC members to four sectors: education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure, with the goal of enhancing public sector capacity.
Olawande, stated that the updated policy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to address increasing youth unemployment by ensuring government agencies support his administration’s vision.
The new directive will first be implemented in Lagos and Abuja.
He stated that the new policy will enable NYSC members to acquire valuable experience in their respective fields of study.
The memo states, “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 per 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.
“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.”
