The Federal Government has lifted the restriction on posting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to private sector organisations including banks and oil and gas companies.
In a memo dated November 18, 2024, minister for youth development Ayodele Olawande announced that the policy will take effect with the 2024 batch ‘C’ orientation exercise.
The ban, introduced during former minister Bolaji Abdullahi’s tenure, limited NYSC members to sectors like education, health, agriculture and infrastructure to prevent exploitation and focus on public sector growth.
Olawande stated that the new directive aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to tackle youth unemployment and equip corps members with practical experience in their fields of study.
Initially, the policy will be implemented in Lagos and Abuja.
The memo read, “There is an urgent need to review this policy to expand the opportunity and access for corps members to serve in places that are relevant to their areas of study. Without prejudice to the need to constantly review per prevailing realities, I now direct as follows: Lifting of all restrictions on postings.
“Posting of corps members to, as much as practicable, be in line with their course of study. Posting of corps members to select banks and other private sector organisations, including those operating in oil and gas, to commence with Abuja and Lagos. The directive contained herein will take effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course and applies in relation to any matter relating to the posting and distribution of corps members to Places of Primary Assignment.
“The now revoked policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market.”
