The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has described Nigerian youth as the nation’s most valuable resource for driving progress in education, healthcare and economic development.
Consequently, he is advocating the extension of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) beyond 12 months.
In a statement issued Sunday by director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the minister stated this during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, and his delegation to the Ministry of Education headquarters, in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa’s suggested several key initiatives, including the Teacher’s Call-a programme aimed at engaging NCE holders as temporary teachers in underserved areas; the Rural Health Corps-designed to deploy corps members with medical training to rural communities and a comprehensive reform of the NYSC orientation programme to incorporate vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, and ICT training to boost youth employability and reduce unemployment.
Underscoring his passion for skill acquisition and youth empowerment, the minister proposed an extension of the National Youth Service year beyond the current 12 months. He noted that such an extension would serve as a strategic solution to unemployment by offering young Nigerians more time to acquire market-ready skills.
He said this initiative would enable corps members to make more meaningful contributions to national development while enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, applauded the NYSC for its pivotal role in maintaining educational standards and safeguarding the integrity of academic certificates, particularly amid rising concerns surrounding transnational education.
In his welcome address, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, commended both ministers and the NYSC leadership for their shared vision and renewed commitment to collaboration.