The Federal Government has announced a significant shift in its policy regarding the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, declaring that they will no longer be sent to states considered unsafe due to escalating security challenges across the country. This decision follows mounting concerns over the safety of corps members, with several incidents of abductions reported in various regions during their one-year service period. Jamila Ibrahim Bio, the Minister of Youth Development, unveiled this change, stressing the government’s commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of all corps members.
In response to the heightened security risks, the government is taking proactive measures to safeguard corps members by refraining from assigning them to states with precarious security situations. This decision reflects a prioritization of the safety of participants in the NYSC scheme, aiming to mitigate the potential threats they may face during their service year. Collaborative efforts with security agencies are underway to bolster protection measures and enhance the overall security framework surrounding corps members nationwide.
Moreover, the government is implementing new transportation strategies to facilitate the safe movement of corps members to and from their designated assignments. These measures seek to minimize the risks associated with travel and ensure that corps members can reach their destinations securely. By addressing transportation challenges and enhancing security protocols, the government aims to create a safer environment for corps members to carry out their national service responsibilities.
In tandem with these immediate actions, the government is also embarking on comprehensive reforms to the NYSC scheme, including a review of the allowance structure and initiatives to transform the scheme into a revenue-generating agency. These reforms aim to equip corps members with valuable skills and experiences that will better prepare them for the job market while ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the NYSC program in fostering national integration and development.
