The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on employers across the country to improve the welfare of corps members by providing better support, mentorship and conducive work environments to enhance their productivity and overall service experience.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, made the appeal on Tuesday at the 2026 Corps Employers’ Workshop in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The workshop, themed “Fine-tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience,” focused on strengthening cooperation between employers and the NYSC to improve the quality of national service.
Represented by the Deputy Director, South-South Area Office I, Asaba, Mrs Hauwa Kwajafa, Nafiu said effective collaboration between employers and the scheme remained critical to the success of the NYSC programme.
He identified proper deployment of corps members according to their qualifications and skills, provision of accommodation, prompt payment of allowances, mentorship and a conducive work environment as key responsibilities of employers.
According to him, the workshop provides an opportunity for employers and the NYSC to exchange ideas on improving corps members’ welfare and enhancing the administration of the scheme.
The NYSC Coordinator in Bayelsa State, Mr Samuel People, commended employers for their continued support and commitment to the successful implementation of the programme in the state.
He noted that employers play a vital role in shaping the experiences of corps members during their service year and urged them to sustain their support through effective mentorship, conducive workplaces and timely remuneration where applicable.
People reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that would benefit both corps members and host organisations while promoting effective service delivery.
Also speaking, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Mr Gentle Emelah, encouraged employers to invest in the personal and professional development of corps members throughout their service year.
He recalled his own service year in Gombe State, where he became the first indigene of Bayelsa to receive a National Award signed by the late former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
According to Emelah, the achievement demonstrated the opportunities available to corps members when employers and host communities provide the right support and encouragement.
Governor Douye Diri, represented by his Executive Assistant on NYSC Matters, Mr Wisdom Poyeri, said stronger collaboration between employers and the NYSC would further improve corps members’ welfare and performance.
The governor commended the NYSC for its contributions to national development and urged employers to mentor corps members posted to their organisations and treat them as members of their own families.
Source:NAN
