The House of Representatives has directed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across Nigeria to immediately stop rejecting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to them, describing the growing trend as a threat to the objectives of one of the nation’s most important youth development programmes.
The resolution followed a motion presented during plenary by the member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei, who raised concerns over the increasing number of corps members being turned away by government institutions despite being officially deployed for national service.
Lawmakers argued that the practice not only undermines the core mandate of the NYSC scheme but also deprives young graduates of valuable workplace experience needed to prepare them for future careers.
Speaking on the motion, Ambaiowei recalled that the NYSC programme was established in 1973 by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon to foster national unity, reconciliation, and integration following the Nigerian Civil War.
According to him, the scheme has for decades provided opportunities for graduates to live and work in different parts of the country, helping to strengthen cultural understanding, promote national cohesion, and contribute to community development.
“The NYSC programme remains one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building initiatives. It was designed to expose young graduates to diverse cultures and create opportunities for meaningful service and development across the country,” he said.
The lawmaker, however, lamented that the refusal of some government agencies to accept corps members has weakened the impact of the programme and left many graduates stranded.
“The scheme, which is designed to provide a willing workforce to both public and private institutions, is currently facing serious setbacks as some government establishments reject corps members, denying them opportunities to serve and gain practical experience,” Ambaiowei stated.
He warned that many affected corps members are often forced to search for alternative places of primary assignment, while others remain underutilised throughout their service year.
According to him, the situation also represents a waste of public resources since the Federal Government continues to pay monthly allowances to corps members who are not fully engaged in productive activities.
“The government continues to invest resources in the scheme through monthly stipends and administrative support. It is therefore important that corps members are meaningfully engaged in ways that contribute to national development and economic productivity,” he added.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and directed all government agencies, including offices within the National Assembly, to stop rejecting corps members posted to them.
The lawmakers further instructed MDAs to develop structured work plans and professional schedules that would enable corps members to acquire practical skills, contribute effectively to public service, and gain meaningful work experience during their service year.
The House also mandated its Committee on Youth Development to engage with the NYSC Directorate and formulate a comprehensive framework for the effective deployment, supervision, and utilisation of corps members across government institutions.
For many graduates, the resolution comes as a welcome development amid growing complaints about poor placement, inadequate supervision, and the lack of meaningful assignments at some places of primary assignment.
Education experts have long argued that a properly managed NYSC programme can serve as a bridge between higher education and employment by helping graduates acquire workplace competencies, professional networks, and practical experience.
With thousands of graduates deployed annually under the scheme, lawmakers expressed optimism that improved utilisation of corps members would not only strengthen the relevance of the programme but also contribute to workforce development, youth empowerment, and national growth.
The latest intervention by the House of Representatives is expected to spark fresh conversations about reforming the NYSC scheme and ensuring that every corps member receives the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development while gaining valuable career experience.
