Minister Advocates for Extension of NYSC Scheme to Two Years

The Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has proposed an extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to two years.

Alausa made this call while speaking on Friday during a courtesy visit by the new Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in Abuja.

The Minister also advocated for the expansion of NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training programme content for Corps Members.

“You have done so well as an organisation. Let NYSC give people more opportunity to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country.” Alausa said.

Alausa also noted that efforts are ongoing in the ministry to digitise the verification of foreign-trained graduates of Nigerian origin.

According to him, the Ministry and NYSC will deepen their partnership to enhance education for the benefit of the country.

He advocated the deployment of more graduate teachers to serve in rural schools, saying this would fill the manpower gap in the schools.

Meanwhile, the NYSC Director General lauded the Ministry’s innovation and giant strides in the education sector.

Nafiu called for the establishment of a database of Nigerian youths going abroad to study for degree programs.

According to him, this would help the government and other stakeholders in the education sector to have detailed records of Nigerian students studying abroad and eliminate fake graduates.

“NYSC is ready to comply with policy guidelines as directed by the federal government. We are also trying to reform the scheme to conform with the present national needs,” Nafiu said.