Stop rejecting corps members, Reps tell govt agencies

The House of Representatives has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to end the growing practice of rejecting National Youth Service Corps members posted to them for the mandatory one-year national service. The House warned that the trend is undermining the objectives of one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building programmes. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Mr Rodney Ambaiowei, during plenary on Thursday. Titled, “Need to stop the constant rejection of National Youth Service Corps members by government offices in Nigeria,” the motion drew attention to what lawmakers described as an increasingly common practice among government institutions across the country. Leading the conversation, Ambaiowei recalled that the NYSC scheme was established in 1973 by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon as part of efforts to rebuild the country after the civil war and promote national integration among young Nigerians. He noted that the scheme was specifically designed to foster national unity, reconciliation and reconstruction by deploying graduates to states other than their states of origin and residence, thereby encouraging interaction among citizens from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. Since its inception, he said, the programme has remained a critical platform for national cohesion, exposing young graduates to different parts of the country while providing opportunities for community development and public service. The lawmaker further stated that the scheme has produced tangible benefits over the years, including enhanced service delivery, cross-cultural integration, business opportunities and even marriages that have strengthened social ties across regions. According to him, many corps members have also gone on to establish businesses and careers in their host communities after service, contributing to local economic development and national integration. He, however, expressed concern that the programme is increasingly being undermined by the refusal of some government agencies to accept corps members posted to them. The Bayelsa lawmaker argued that the development defeats the purpose of the scheme and deprives young graduates of the practical experience needed to prepare them for life after service. He said, “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 the