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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration to ensure Corps Members derive maximum value from the one-year national service programme while contributing meaningfully to national development.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made the call, on Tuesday, at the 2026 Corps Employers’ Workshop held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The workshop was themed, “Fine-tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience.”
Represented by the Acting Director, South-West Area Office II, Mrs Grace Halima Elabor, the Director-General said the success of the NYSC largely depends on the quality of collaboration among its critical stakeholders.
He noted that while the Scheme is responsible for mobilising, deploying, monitoring and providing guidance to Corps Members, employers also have a vital role in creating a conducive environment for productive and rewarding service.
According to him, when Corps Members are effectively integrated into the workplace, they become more motivated, innovative and committed to adding value to their host organisations and society at large.
Brigadier-General Nafiu explained that the workplace serves as the primary platform through which Corps Members acquire practical experience, develop professional competencies and contribute their skills to national development.
He added that the quality of their workplace experience directly influences their productivity, morale, personal development and overall perception of the Scheme.
He urged employers to assign Corps Members responsibilities relevant to their qualifications and capabilities, while also providing mentorship, effective supervision and opportunities for professional growth.
The NYSC boss commended employers who consistently support Corps Members through the provision of accommodation, transportation, healthcare services, mentoring opportunities and other welfare initiatives, noting that such efforts significantly enhance the success of the Scheme.
He stressed that the welfare of Corps Members goes beyond their physical needs, saying it also includes their safety, mental well-being, professional development, inclusion and sense of belonging in the workplace.
“We must continue to foster workplaces that are respectful, supportive and free from all forms of discrimination, exploitation, harassment and abuse,” he said.
Brigadier General Nafiu also assured employers of the NYSC Management’s continued commitment to strengthening engagement through regular monitoring, feedback mechanisms and collaborative problem-solving initiatives.
Speaking at the workshop, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, said the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration would continue to support initiatives that promote youth empowerment, skills development, innovation and programmes that strengthen national unity and sustainable development.
He said the state government recognises the enormous potential of Nigerian youths in nation-building, adding that the employers’ workshop would further enhance Corps Members’ opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development while gaining practical workplace experience.
According to him, stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders would improve Corps Members’ welfare, enhance their workplace experience and deliver greater benefits to both the graduates and their host organisations.
“Beyond their official assignments, Corps Members actively contribute to sports development, youth mentorship, community service, health campaigns, educational support and several other developmental initiatives across Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Earlier, the NYSC Ogun State Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Nasamu, said Corps Members deserve workplaces that are safe, welcoming, motivating and conducive to learning and productivity.
She said they should not be regarded as temporary staff but as valuable contributors capable of bringing innovation, creativity and fresh perspectives to their places of primary assignment.
Mrs Nasamu urged employers to expose Corps Members to opportunities that would strengthen their leadership abilities, entrepreneurial skills, digital competencies and problem-solving capacity.
She also appealed to employers to continue assigning Corps Members meaningful responsibilities that align with their educational qualifications and competencies.
