Minister proposes two-year NYSC to boost employment

DDM News

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has called for an extension of the NYSC scheme to two years.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, he made the proposal during a visit by Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the newly appointed NYSC Director-General.

The meeting took place at the Federal Ministry of Education office in Abuja on Friday.

Dr. Alausa praised the NYSC’s progress in digital transformation and its success in tackling certificate forgery and registration racketeering.

He credited the NYSC management for streamlining its processes and improving the integrity of national service.

The Minister described the NYSC as a crucial tool for national integration and youth empowerment.

He commended the scheme for its efforts in promoting unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Alausa said extending the scheme would strengthen the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training provided to corps members.

“You have done so well as an organization,” the Minister said during his address.

“Let NYSC give people more opportunity to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country,” he added.

The Minister emphasized the importance of creating job-ready graduates through more extensive vocational training.

He believes a two-year NYSC scheme would offer graduates the time to acquire practical skills and become self-employed.

The extension, according to him, would also deepen the impact of national service in host communities.

Dr. Alausa said the additional year would help young Nigerians contribute more meaningfully to nation-building.

He also raised concerns over the continued exemption of part-time Ordinary National Diploma (OND) graduates from the NYSC.

He described the issue as “lingering” and suggested it be reviewed for fairness and inclusivity.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Nafiu thanked the Minister for his support of the NYSC.

He acknowledged Dr. Alausa’s role in many recent achievements of the national scheme.

The Director-General also suggested creating a database of Nigerian students who study abroad.

He said the database would help verify foreign academic qualifications and ensure their alignment with Nigerian standards.

The proposal to extend NYSC to two years has started to generate mixed reactions.

Some argue it could enhance skill development and reduce unemployment among graduates.

Others fear it may delay career progression and discourage further education.

The Ministry of Education and the NYSC are expected to consult stakeholders before finalizing any policy changes.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was established in 1973 by the Nigerian government.

It was created after the Nigerian Civil War to promote unity and rebuild the nation.

The scheme mandates that university and polytechnic graduates under 30 years serve for one year.

Corps members are deployed outside their regions to work in sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture.

The NYSC fosters national integration by encouraging youths to live and work among different ethnic groups.

Over the years, the scheme introduced the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program.

The SAED program equips corps members with vocational skills to reduce dependency on white-collar jobs.

NYSC is a legal requirement for employment in government institutions and some private firms.

Graduates from accredited local and foreign institutions must be cleared by NYSC before receiving job offers.

Participants receive a monthly allowance and are expected to serve the nation with discipline and dedication.

The scheme includes a three-week orientation camp and eleven months of community service or primary assignment.

It concludes with the award of a certificate of national service, which is highly regarded.

The NYSC remains one of Nigeria’s most significant post-graduation programs aimed at youth development.

Calls to reform the scheme have continued over the years to align it with modern economic realities.

The proposed extension may mark a major shift in the future of the iconic national program.

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