The National Youth Service Corps is to take proactive steps towards responding to emerging challenges in the pursuit of its mandate.
To this end, a think tank is to be set up to articulate strategies on the Scheme’s policy thrust and administration to make it more responsive to national needs at all times.
This was part of the resolutions made at the 2017 Annual Management Conference of the Scheme, which took place in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The forum also resolved that opportunities would be explored for deeper involvement of the private sector and other stakeholders in the successful implementation of the NYSC programmes.
Participants agreed that the Scheme should critically analyze the terms of its partnerships with some bodies, and seek reviews, where necessary, in order to adequately cater for its interests, especially with regards to the gains for Corps members.
It was further agreed that research and development would be strengthened in the scheme not only to enhance operational efficiency, but also for greater impact assessment.
In his closing remarks, the Director-General, Brigadier General Sulaiman Kazaure, directed Directors and State Coordinators to ensure timely implementation of the conference resolutions as they affect their respective Departments and Secretariats.
Kazaure also said State Coordinators must execute the plans of their Secretariats as presented to the conference within the next one year, adding that the level of implementation would form part the basis for assessment of their performance.
The Director-General reaffirmed the top Management’s commitment to the welfare of Corps members and directed all Coordinators to follow suit.
“Welfare and security needs of Corps members should be prioritized in all Secretariats, and the Director-General should be contacted immediately in the case of any emergency,” he said.
Kazaure also charged Coordinators to step up efforts at motivating members of staff for better performance and increased loyalty to the Scheme.
He further asked them to ensure more robust liaison with critical stakeholders, especially state governments and local councils, in order to ensure that the latter discharge their statutory obligations to the Scheme.
