Accept all corps members, train them, says Minister

THE Minister of Communications, Dr Isa Pantami has directed all departments and agencies under the Ministry to accept all Corps members undergoing their compulsory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and train them on entrepreneurship.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Director Press in the Ministry, Mrs Philomena Oshodin.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Communications has been drawn to the recent spate of rejecting Corps Members posted on National service by some Parastatals under its supervision.

The Minister of Communications Dr Isa Pantami has, therefore, directed that all Departments and Agencies under his purview must comply with the provisions of the law regarding the NYSC scheme.

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“The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the objective of inculcating the spirit of selfless service to the community, encourage and develop ties among youths and to emphasise the spirit of oneness and brotherhood in all Nigerians irrespective of cultural or social background.

“It is in pursuant to this objective that the Federal Government mandated all Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to make adequate provision for Youth Corps Members to carry out their mandatory national assignment.

“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR is particularly mindful of the fact that the future of our great country depends on the youths and therefore, they must be equipped for the critical role that lies ahead.

“To this end, the Minister of Communications has initiated a policy to ensure corps members are equipped with adequate entrepreneurial skills at the end of their service year to properly empower and position them as entrepreneurs instead of job seekers.

The Minister of Communications hereby directs that with immediate effect, all Agencies and Parastatals under the supervision of his Ministry must provide opportunities for an appreciable number of Youth Corps members within their capacities in their regional and Head offices annually, with adequate arrangements for their remuneration.

“Give special attention to graduates with ICT – related qualifications, ensure the effective use of their time by posting them to relevant Departments/Units/Sections of the organization, and plan and execute special ICT Entrepreneurial skills capacity building programmes for serving Corps Members”.