Abraham Oludolapo
Combating sexual harassment within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
Mr. Abraham Oludolapo, Assistant Director of Mobilisation at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a 2023 AIG PLP Alumnus, developed a policy to combat sexual harassment within the NYSC, directly impacting over 400,000 corps members and staff annually. The policy promotes awareness of rights and provides actionable strategies to prevent and address harassment, fostering a safer and more respectful environment nationwide.
Abraham Oludolapo Ayodeji is an Assistant Director at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the class representative of the AIG Public Leaders Programme (PLP) Cohort 3. Motivated by a deep commitment to improve public service delivery and foster institutional transformation, he applied to the AIG Public Leaders Programme to enhance his leadership capacity and contribute more effectively to the NYSC’s mission.
The reform project Abraham developed as part of his AIG PLP experienceis a comprehensive policy document aimed at combating sexual harassment within the NYSC. This initiative is designed to protect both staff and corps members, creating a safer and more respectful environment across NYSC operations. The policy outlines preventative measures and response mechanisms to address sexual harassment proactively and effectively.
Reflecting on the development and impact of the policy, Abraham shared: “The project challenged me to think critically about systemic issues within the NYSC and craft a solution that is both practical and sustainable. I am proud that this policy has already undergone rigorous review and approval and is being integrated into NYSC orientation schedules nationwide, starting with the Federal Capital Territory.”
The policy’s reach is profound, with the potential to benefit thousands of corp members and staff annually by creating an environment that upholds dignity and equity. It is a testament to Abraham’s dedication to driving impactful reforms within the NYSC.
Speaking of his experience in the AIG Public Leaders Programme, Abraham credits the programme for reshaping his approach to public service. “The training I received during the PLP programme from the faculty of the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford empowered me to analyse complex challenges, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and communicate ideas persuasively. These skills were instrumental in designing and implementing my reform Project.”
Beyond his reform project, Abraham has leveraged the knowledge and skills gained from the programme to foster a culture of innovation and accountability within his team at the NYSC. His leadership approach now emphasises consensus-building, stakeholder engagement, and result-oriented problem-solving.
Looking ahead, Abraham remains committed to advancing public service reforms within the NYSC and beyond. He believes the AIG PLP has equipped him with the tools to make lasting contributions to governance and development in Nigeria. Abraham’s journey exemplifies how the AIG Public Leaders Programme is cultivating leaders who are not just agents of change but also champions of public service excellence. His achievements and commitment to fostering a safer, more inclusive NYSC make him a role model for aspiring public sector leaders in Nigeria.