The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on establishments that require the service of corps members to commit to the scheme’s obligations.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, made the call at the 2025 Corps Employees’ Workshop, on Wednesday at Somolu, Lagos State.
The workshop had the theme: ‘Strengthening NYSC/Corps Employers’ Partnership for Improved Mutual Benefits’.
It had in attendance employers from private and public sectors as well as other stakeholders.
Nafiu said the annual workshop was to work out measures, strengthen long-standing partnership between the NYSC and corps members employers.
He added that the aim was to improve service delivery.
He said that employees should assign corps members duties commensurate with their qualifications for effective utilisation of their skills.
“The workshop is an annual event that brings operators of the scheme and employers in a strategic meeting that presents the management of the scheme and the employers an avenue to exchange ideas that enhance operations.
“The gains from previous workshops have shown that corps employers’ workshop is an essential tool to engage employers in strategic communication, harmonisation of views, and opportunity to explain policy directions.
“From addressing gray areas to enhancing healthy relationship among our various organisations, the workshop always produces ideas and recommendations that are factored into the operations of the scheme,” he added.
In his remarks, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, assured the employers of the state government’s commitment to maintaining a symbiotic relationship grounded in trust, respect and shared vision.
Ogunlende said that support of employers and mentorship played a vital role in shaping corps members, who he described as the next generation of leaders and change makers.
He also advised corps members to actively engage with their host organisations and demonstrate dedication, professionalism and spirit of collaboration.
“Together, let us foster an environment of cooperation, innovation and mutual growth.
“Strengthening our partnership will lead to improved outcome for communities, corps members and organisations.
“By so doing, you will not only contribute meaningfully to the goals of agencies but also build valuable relationships that can pave way for future opportunities.”
Earlier, Mrs Christina Salmwang, Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, said that the event was organised to optimise corps members’ performances and strengthen partnership with stakeholders and corps employers.
Salmwang urged employers to make good use of corps members, give them roles, treat them as staff members, mentor them and ensure that they would be on the right track.
“Report any corps member who falls below expectations,” she said.
She appealed to employers to improve on monthly stipends to corps members in their organisations to motivate them to put in their best.
In a lecture, Prof. Maryam Quadri, Head of Political Science Department, University of Lagos, said there was need for corps members to take strategic and proactive steps to improve their productivity.
Quadri spoke on: “Optimising Corps Members’ Placement for Productivity: A Joint Responsibility of NYSC and Employers”.
According to her, optimal utilisation of corps members for national development is a shared responsibility between the NYSC and employers.
“While the scheme must enhance its deployment strategies and ensure alignment with national development goals, employers must view corps members as a valuable human resource rather than temporary stopgaps.”
She said that corps members must embrace their roles with discipline, commitment and willingness to learn.
She identified non-compliance by employers, mismatch between corps members’ academic backgrounds and their assigned roles, limited digital tools and limited mentoring as key challenges.
Quadri advised that corps members should be re-oriented on professionalism, networking and long-term career planning during their orientation course. (NAN)
