Education Minister Proposes Two-Year NYSC Scheme and Expanded Skill Training Program

 *Education Minister Proposes Two-Year NYSC Scheme and Expanded Skill Training Program*

 Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has proposed extending the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from its current one-year duration to two years. 

The announcement was made during a meeting on Friday with the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the minister’s office in Abuja.

*Details of the Proposal*

Dr. Alausa emphasized that the extension would provide corps members with more time to acquire critical skills through the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program. The expanded program aims to better prepare young Nigerians for self-reliance by equipping them with entrepreneurial tools and professional training necessary for job creation and economic growth.

The minister also highlighted the importance of deploying more graduate teachers to rural areas, addressing manpower shortages in underserved communities. 

He praised the NYSC for its digital reforms, particularly in curbing certificate fraud among foreign-trained graduates, and called for further collaboration between the Ministry of Education and NYSC to enhance national service outcomes.

*Rationale Behind the Extension*

Dr. Alausa argued that a two-year service period would allow corps members to gain deeper insights into Nigeria’s diverse needs while contributing more meaningfully to national development. 

He noted that the longer duration would also align with efforts to tackle youth unemployment by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

*Reactions and Next Steps*

Brigadier General Nafiu commended the minister’s vision, expressing optimism about the potential impact of these reforms. He also suggested creating a database to track Nigerian students abroad, ensuring better coordination for national service.

The proposal is expected to spark nationwide discussions as stakeholders evaluate its feasibility and implications. 

While some have welcomed the initiative as a step toward youth empowerment, others have raised concerns about its practicality and potential challenges.

As Nigeria continues to address pressing issues such as unemployment and skill gaps among its youth, this proposal represents a significant shift in policy direction.

Whether or not it gains approval, it underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging national service as a tool for development.