Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu Alausa, has proposed extending the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme to two years, with a focus on strengthening skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training for corps members.
The Minister made the suggestion on Friday during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, at his office in Abuja.
Alausa praised the digital reforms introduced by the NYSC, stating that the automation of its processes has significantly curbed certificate racketeering and forgery. He noted that the scheme has become more credible and transparent under its current leadership.
“The NYSC has done remarkably well. Let’s give Nigerian youths more time and opportunities to become job creators,” Alausa said. “By expanding the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and extending service to two years, corps members can be better equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
He also weighed in on the ongoing concerns regarding the exemption of part-time Ordinary National Diploma (OND) graduates from NYSC participation, indicating the Ministry’s interest in reviewing the policy.
In response, Brigadier General Nafiu appreciated the Minister’s support and highlighted his contributions to the scheme’s recent successes. He also proposed the establishment of a comprehensive database of Nigerian youths who travel abroad to obtain foreign degrees, aiming to enhance data tracking and quality assurance.
