The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has issued a warning regarding the growing number of corps members who are being rejected by their assigned employers across Nigeria. This disturbing trend has raised alarm within the agency, as it undermines the core purpose of the NYSC program, which is designed to foster national integration and provide young graduates with valuable work experience.
According to NYSC officials, a significant percentage of corps members recently posted to various public and private organizations have reported difficulties gaining acceptance or being officially registered by their places of primary assignment (PPA). This rejection not only delays the commencement of their service year but also disrupts their plans and dampens morale.
The NYSC spokesperson highlighted that the rejection of corps members by employers could be attributed to factors such as bureaucratic delays, unwillingness to accommodate new workers, and in some cases, employers seeking to avoid their obligations under the scheme. This situation threatens the effectiveness of the national service program, which remains a crucial avenue for youth empowerment, skills acquisition, and national development.
In response, the NYSC has urged all employers across both public and private sectors to cooperate fully with the scheme’s directives and to facilitate the smooth integration of corps members into their workplaces. The agency emphasized that refusing to accept or register corps members is a violation of the NYSC regulations and could attract sanctions.
The NYSC also appealed to corps members to report any cases of rejection promptly so that corrective actions can be taken. It reassured participants of its commitment to protecting the rights of young Nigerians and ensuring that every corps member completes their service successfully.
As the nation continues to grapple with youth unemployment and skills gaps, the smooth operation of the NYSC remains critical. The agency’s call to address the rising rejection cases serves as a reminder of the need for collective responsibility among stakeholders to nurture Nigeria’s future workforce.
