The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has made a significant policy change that will benefit married female corps members seeking redeployment.
In a recent circular, the NYSC announced that changing a maiden name to that of a spouse will no longer be required for married female corps members to request redeployment.
This decision, which took effect after a review of the criteria for concessional deployment and relocation, is expected to ease the process for many female corps members.
The circular, signed by the Director of Corps Mobilisation, Abubakar Mohammed, was issued to directors, acting directors, and coordinators across the country.
The new directive, titled “Review of criteria for concessional deployment/relocation for married female corps members,” was dated November 25, 2024.
The NYSC explained that married female corps members would no longer be required to change their maiden name to their husband’s name when applying for relocation.
“Changing a maiden name to that of a spouse is no longer a requirement for the approval of such request by married female corps members,” the circular read.
This policy shift comes after various discussions and feedback from corps members and the public about the complexities and difficulties of changing one’s name during the service year.
Previously, the requirement to change a maiden name was part of the conditions for married female corps members to be considered for redeployment, especially if they sought to be relocated to a different state due to marital reasons.
This policy change is seen as a major step toward reducing the burden on married women who are part of the national service program.
The NYSC management also clarified that other requirements for redeployment, such as the submission of relevant documents and proper procedures, will remain unchanged.
The circular instructed state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) coordinators to ensure strict compliance with the new directive.
It also tasked area office directors with monitoring the implementation of the policy to ensure that the changes are effectively carried out.
For many female corps members, the name change requirement had been a source of frustration, as it often involved bureaucratic challenges, delays, and additional documentation.
Now, married women will no longer have to go through the process of changing their names to match their spouses’ names before being considered for redeployment.
The decision to remove the name change requirement is also seen as part of the broader efforts to address gender issues within the NYSC program.
Over the years, married women have often faced additional hurdles compared to their male counterparts when it comes to redeployment or other aspects of the national service.
In the past, some female corps members had to go through the legal process of changing their names before being considered for redeployment, a procedure that could take weeks or even months.
Now, with the removal of this requirement, the redeployment process is expected to be faster and less stressful for many female corps members.
The NYSC’s new policy is likely to have a positive impact on the overall experience of married female corps members, making it easier for them to balance family life and national service commitments.
While this policy is expected to bring relief to many, the NYSC has emphasized that other requirements for redeployment, such as submitting a valid marriage certificate, will still apply.
Married female corps members will also still need to submit proper documentation to justify their reasons for requesting redeployment.
