The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a proposal to extend the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from one year to two years. This initiative aims to enhance skills acquisition and improve employment prospects for the nation’s youth. The proposal was discussed during a recent meeting between the NYSC Director General and the Minister of Education in Abuja.
Key Takeaways
- Proposal to extend NYSC duration from one year to two years.
- Expansion of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program.
- Focus on equipping corps members with practical skills for job creation.
- Minister of Education emphasizes the need for more graduate teachers in rural schools.
Background of the NYSC Program
The NYSC program was established in 1973 as a means to foster national unity and development among Nigerian youths. It requires graduates to serve in various capacities across the country, promoting community service and engagement. However, the one-year duration has often been criticized for not adequately preparing corps members for the job market.
Proposed Changes to the NYSC
During a courtesy visit by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the NYSC Director General, to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the proposal for a two-year extension was put forward. The key components of the proposal include:
- Extension of Service Duration: Increasing the service period to two years to provide more comprehensive training and experience.
- Enhanced Skill Acquisition: Expanding the SAED program to better equip corps members with practical skills that are in demand in the job market.
- Focus on Job Creation: Encouraging corps members to become job creators rather than job seekers, thereby contributing to national development.
Minister’s Support and Recommendations
Dr. Alausa expressed strong support for the proposed changes, highlighting the importance of the NYSC in addressing youth unemployment. He stated, "Let NYSC give people more opportunity to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country."
Additionally, he emphasized the need for:
- Deployment of Graduate Teachers: More graduate teachers should be sent to rural schools to fill existing manpower gaps.
- Digital Verification: Ongoing efforts to digitize the verification process for foreign-trained graduates to combat certificate racketeering.
NYSC’s Commitment to Reform
Brigadier General Nafiu reiterated the NYSC’s commitment to aligning with national policies and reforms. He stated, "NYSC is ready to comply with policy guidelines as directed by the Federal Government."
He also called for the establishment of a comprehensive database of Nigerian youths studying abroad to help track and verify qualifications, thereby reducing the incidence of fake graduates.
Conclusion
The proposed extension of the NYSC program reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment and enhancing the skills of young Nigerians. By extending the service duration and expanding skill acquisition programs, the government aims to better prepare the youth for the challenges of the job market and contribute to the overall development of the nation. The collaboration between the NYSC and the Ministry of Education is crucial in achieving these goals, ensuring that the education sector evolves to meet the needs of the country.
Sources
- FG proposes two-year NYSC to boost youth employment, Vanguard News.
