The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has urged employers to provide a conducive working environment for corps members to ensure a productive and rewarding service year.
Nafiu made the call at the 2026 NYSC/Corps Employers Workshop held at the Port Harcourt City Council in Rivers State.
The workshop had the theme, “Fine-tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience.”
Represented by the Deputy Director, Certification and Mobilisation, NYSC South South Area Office II, Port Harcourt, Faustina Ilora, Nafiu said corps members remain valuable national assets who deserve the right support to succeed.
He said the workplace gives corps members the chance to gain practical experience, build professional skills and contribute to national development.
He added that the quality of their work environment directly affects their productivity, morale, personal growth and perception of the NYSC scheme.
Employers urged to provide mentorship.
Nafiu urged employers to assign corps members duties that match their qualifications. He also asked them to provide proper mentorship, supervision and opportunities for career growth throughout the service year.
The NYSC Rivers State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, described employers’ responsibility for corps members’ welfare and a conducive work environment as a “sacred obligation.”
He expressed confidence that the workshop would help employers and NYSC managers develop fresh strategies to strengthen the scheme and improve its overall effectiveness.
Lecturer calls for intentional support
The guest lecturer, Dr. Sebastine Nwankwo Jnr of the Department of Political Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, urged employers to deliberately harness the potential of corps members by creating an environment where they can thrive.
The workshop attracted dignitaries from different sectors, including public and private organisations that employ corps members.
External Links
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
Federal Ministry of Youth Development
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
