The House of Representatives has taken steps to address the growing concern over the rejection of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members by government offices across the country, following a motion sponsored by Hon. Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei, representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State.
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Presenting the motion on the floor of the House, Hon. Ambaiowei highlighted the historical significance of the NYSC scheme, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most successful nation-building initiatives established under Decree No. 24 of 1973 by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon following the Nigerian Civil War.
According to the lawmaker, the scheme was created to promote national unity, reconciliation, and reconstruction by bringing together young graduates from different parts of the country to serve in states other than their places of origin.
He noted that over the decades, the programme has fostered national cohesion, encouraged cultural integration, created employment opportunities, and contributed significantly to community development across Nigeria.
“The NYSC scheme has recorded remarkable successes in promoting national unity, strengthening inter-ethnic relationships, creating opportunities for community service, and even facilitating lifelong partnerships and business ventures among young Nigerians,” Ambaiowei stated.
The lawmaker, however, expressed concern that many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government have increasingly refused to accept corps members for primary assignments, a situation he described as detrimental to both the graduates and the nation.
He argued that the rejection of corps members deprives young graduates of valuable workplace experience while exposing many of them to exploitation in private establishments or leaving them idle during their service year.
“Most government establishments now reject corps members, denying them the opportunity to serve the nation meaningfully and acquire relevant professional experience. This trend leaves many of our graduates vulnerable to exploitation and, in some cases, exposes them to negative influences during their service year,” he said.
Ambaiowei further warned that the situation constitutes an economic loss to the country, noting that the Federal Government continues to pay monthly stipends to corps members who are unable to contribute effectively to the nation’s productivity due to a lack of placement opportunities.
“The nation loses economically when thousands of willing and educated young Nigerians remain underutilized while government continues to invest resources in the scheme. If properly engaged, these young minds can contribute significantly to public service delivery and national development,” he added.
The lawmaker stressed that adequately integrating corps members into government institutions would not only provide them with practical experience but also enhance productivity across various sectors of the economy.
Following deliberations, the House resolved to mandate its Committee on Youth Development to liaise with the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps to develop a comprehensive framework for the effective engagement and utilization of corps members during their service year.
The House also called on all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, including the National Assembly, to discontinue the practice of rejecting corps members and instead create structured work schedules and opportunities that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The motion was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Youth Development for further legislative action.
Observers believe that if implemented, the proposed measures could strengthen the relevance of the NYSC scheme, improve workforce development, and provide young graduates with the practical experience necessary for future careers while enhancing productivity within public institutions.
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