RismadarVoice Reporters
June 4, 2026
The House of Representatives has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to immediately halt the practice of rejecting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to them for their mandatory one-year national service.
Lawmakers warned that the growing trend is undermining the objectives of the NYSC scheme, one of Nigeria’s longest-standing programmes aimed at promoting national unity and youth development.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Rodney Ambaiowei, during plenary on Thursday.
Moving the motion, Ambaiowei recalled that the NYSC was established in 1973 by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon to foster national integration, reconciliation and reconstruction after the Nigerian Civil War.
He noted that the scheme has over the years provided opportunities for graduates to interact with people from different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds while contributing to community development and public service.
According to the lawmaker, the programme has produced significant benefits, including enhanced national cohesion, career opportunities, business development and social integration across the country.
However, he expressed concern that increasing cases of government institutions refusing to accept corps members are weakening the scheme and denying young graduates valuable work experience.
“The scheme, which is designed to provide a willing workforce to the public and private sectors, is currently facing setbacks as government establishments are rejecting NYSC corps members, denying them service opportunities and experience,” Ambaiowei said.
He warned that the practice leaves many corps members vulnerable to exploitation and underemployment while reducing the overall value of the national service programme.
The lawmaker also argued that the rejection of corps members amounts to a waste of public resources since the Federal Government continues to pay monthly allowances to beneficiaries regardless of whether they are effectively engaged.
Following widespread support from lawmakers, the House adopted the motion through a voice vote presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The House subsequently mandated all MDAs, including the National Assembly, to accept corps members posted to them and develop structured work schedules that ensure meaningful engagement and professional development during their service year.
Lawmakers also directed the House Committee on Youth Development to collaborate with the NYSC Directorate to develop a comprehensive framework for the deployment and effective utilisation of corps members across government institutions.
