The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide support for discharged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as they transition into the labour market.
This resolution was made following a motion presented by Hon. Muhammad Muktar, who represents Kazaure/Roni/Gwiwa/Yankashi Federal Constituency of Jigawa State. In an interview with journalists, Hon. Muktar explained that he brought forward the motion because there is currently no adequate support system for corps members as they exit the NYSC program and face the challenges of finding employment.
Presenting the motion in the House of Representatives chamber on Tuesday, Hon. Muhammad Muktar emphasized the crucial role played by the NYSC program, which enables graduates to gain practical skills and experiences, and potentially connect with potential employers during their primary assignment.
However, he noted that after the NYSC program, most graduates encounter difficulties in facing the reality of not receiving monthly allowances or other NYSC privileges. The transition to the labour market without any allowances to support them presents challenges, particularly for first-time job seekers who face stiff competition in a labour market that often prioritizes candidates with prior work experience.
Considering the economic challenges and predictions of rising unemployment and poverty rates, the House of Representatives recognized the importance of supporting graduates’ entry and retention in the labour market. To this end, the House resolved to urge the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to conduct a survey and develop a database to track the employment status of graduates and corps members. This data will be crucial for evidence-based decision-making.
Additionally, the House called on the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in collaboration with relevant ministries like Labour and Employment, Education, and Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, to create a workable plan to retain Corps Members in their Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) for one year after their mandatory service. This measure aims to increase their chances of finding employment opportunities.
The House further recommended the establishment of a coordinating body supervised by the Ministries of Youth and Education to oversee the screening and payment processes.
To ensure effective implementation of these measures, the House mandated its Committees on Youths, Labour, Employment, and Productivity (when constituted) to monitor the execution of the jointly developed plan. The resolution reflects the House’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by discharged NYSC members and enhancing their prospects in the labour market.
