The Federal Government has proposed the extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme from one to two years, aimed at deepening youth empowerment and job creation.
The Minister of Education made the call on Friday during a courtesy visit by the new NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, to his office in Abuja.
He praised the NYSC for digitizing its operations—particularly efforts that have curbed certificate racketeering among foreign-trained graduates in West Africa.
The Minister also addressed the ongoing issue concerning OND part-time graduates who possess full-time HND qualifications but were previously exempted from national service. He emphasized the need to expand the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to better equip corps members for self-employment.
“You have done well as an organization,” the Minister said. “Let NYSC give more young Nigerians the opportunity to become job creators who can meet the needs of the nation.”
In response, Brigadier General Nafiu commended the Minister for his innovative leadership in the education sector. He also proposed the creation of a centralized database to track Nigerian students studying abroad.
“NYSC is ready to align with Federal Government policy directions,” the DG stated. “We are working to reform the scheme to meet present national needs.
