The National Youth Service Corps has warned employers of corps members to desist from aiding corps members stage-manage their rejection.
Disclosing this on Wednesday, during the 2021 corps employers’ workshop, the Director-General of the scheme, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim noted with dismay the increase in this development which he said should be tackled headlong.
Speaking on the theme; Optimizing the NYSC/corps employers’ partnership for National Development in the context of the new normal, the Director-General highlighted some interventions the scheme used to cushion the impact of Covid-19.
The yearly workshop provides room for management and employers of corps members to exchange ideas on the improvement of operations, especially enabling an environment for corps members to render qualitative and efficient services.
Represented by Salamatu Mohammed, Deputy Director NYSC North-East area office, Ibrahim directed that there should be a replication of the workshop in other zones across the state.
According to Ibrahim, before the commencement of the orientation course, employers of corps members are expected to submit requests for corps members which would contain their number, discipline and other specifications.
He said, “This will assist the scheme in carrying out postings to Places of Primary Assignment. At this juncture, I wish to remind you of a subsisting circular from the Federal Government, which prohibits the rejection of corps members by Government Ministries Departments and Agencies.
“To this end, I wish to appeal to all employers, especially government establishments, to make adequate budgetary provisions for the welfare of corps members rather than rejecting them.”
While noting his concern, the Director-General of NYSC highlighted some shortcomings to include, “Increasing rejection of corps members, aiding corps members to stage-manage their rejection, under-utilization of corps members.
“Others are; delay in issuance of monthly clearance to deserving corps members, exposure of corps members to COVID-19 risks, inhuman treatment of corps members in workplaces, inappropriate usage of the recently introduced NYSC ICT apps,” Ibrahim added.
He noted that the Scheme places a premium on the security of lives of corps members, as well as the property.
Ibrahim said, “Accordingly, employers are required to equally pay particular attention to the security of corps members posted to your organisation. Given the fact that they are new in the environment, you are enjoined to effectively guide them on safety.”
Copyright PUNCH.
