The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged employers of corps members to expose them to practical learning experiences to enhance their productivity and prepare them for life after the service year.
NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, made the call at the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop in Minna on Wednesday.
Newsextra24 reports that the workshop was organised with the theme: “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience.”
Nafiu, in his remarks delivered by Mrs Gladys Adama, Acting Director, North-Central Area Office I, said the theme was timely, given the need for stakeholders to work closely to ensure that corps members derived maximum value from their service year.
He said the contemporary workplace was rapidly evolving, requiring corps members to acquire not only technical competence but also critical thinking, adaptability, teamwork, communication, leadership and digital skills.
The NYSC DG commended employers for sustaining their commitment to corps members’ welfare through the provision of accommodation, transportation support, healthcare services and mentoring opportunities.
He, however, stressed that their welfare should extend beyond physical needs to include safety, mental well-being and inclusion in the workplace.
“Equally important is the need to offer appropriate mentorship, supervision and opportunities for professional growth.
“When corps members are effectively integrated into the workplace, they become more motivated, innovative and committed to delivering value to their host organisations and society at large,” he said.
Nafiu urged participants to share experiences, identify best practices and propose actionable strategies to deepen collaboration and strengthen the effectiveness of the NYSC scheme.
Also speaking, Mrs Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, NYSC Coordinator in Niger, said corps members’ workplace experiences could shape their perspectives on patriotism and professional commitment.
She urged employers to see corps members not as sources of cheap labour but as potential talent pipelines, catalysts for innovation and future leaders requiring mentorship.
“We must move beyond viewing these young Nigerians as a source of cheap labour; we must see them as strategic talent pipelines, catalysts for innovative growth and future leaders requiring mentorship.
“We cannot expect innovation, punctuality and dedication from individuals whose basic needs are neglected,” she said.
Shuaibu-Ibrahim said the NYSC Niger office would continue to collaborate with employers to ensure the welfare and professional development of corps members.
She added that the office remained committed to deploying disciplined, enthusiastic and skilled youths to support the achievement of employers’ organisational goals.
