Education Minister Advocates for Skill-Focused NYSC Program; Proposes Introduction of Two Years Service
Nigeria’s Education Minister, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called for reforms in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program to better equip youth for the job market and national development. He emphasized that Nigerian youth are the nation’s most valuable resource for driving progress in education, healthcare, and economic development.
During a courtesy visit by NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, and his team to the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Alausa proposed several initiatives. These include the Teacher’s Call program to engage NCE holders as temporary teachers in underserved areas and the Rural Health Corps to deploy medically trained corps members to rural communities.
The Minister also suggested a comprehensive reform of the NYSC orientation program to incorporate vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, and ICT training. This aims to boost youth employability and reduce unemployment. Dr. Alausa further proposed extending the NYSC service year beyond 12 months to give youth more time for skill development, enhancing employability and national contribution.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed his confidence in Nigerian youth as the driving force behind educational and economic advancements. The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, commended NYSC’s role in maintaining academic standards, particularly in the context of transnational education concerns.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, welcomed the shared vision between the Ministry and NYSC, while Brigadier General Nafiu expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support and highlighted ongoing reforms, including a pre-departure database to combat certificate fraud. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to youth-driven transformation and national development.
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