The Nigerian Government is considering extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service year beyond 12 months.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa made this known while receiving the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu at his office in Abuja.
Alausa stated that the extension would enable every Nigerian youth to be fully trained in at least one skill of their choice, thereby making them relevant in the job market.
The Director of Press in the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, in a statement on Saturday, April 5, 2025, quoted Alausa as saying this would allow NYSC members to make deeper contributions to national development after acquiring market-ready skills.
The minister emphasized the need to reposition the NYSC scheme to align with national development goals.
He noted that such an extension would serve as a strategic solution to unemployment by providing young Nigerians with more time to acquire market-ready skills.
According to him, this initiative would allow corps members to make more meaningful contributions to national development while enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
Alausa reaffirmed his belief in the potential of Nigerian youth as the country’s greatest asset for advancing education and economic growth.
The minister also proposed the Teacher’s Call initiative, aimed at engaging NCE holders as temporary teachers in underserved areas, as well as a rural health corps to deliver medical training to rural communities.
He advocated for a comprehensive reform of the orientation programme to incorporate vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, and ICT training that enhances employability and reduces youth unemployment.
He described Nigerian youths as “the greatest asset for advancing education and economic growth”, and stressed that they should not be neglected.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, applauded the NYSC for its pivotal role in maintaining educational standards and protecting the integrity of academic certificates, especially in light of challenges with transnational education.
The NYSC DG, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the ministry’s continued partnership and noted ongoing reforms within the NYSC to improve national service delivery.
Nafiu advocated for the creation of a pre-departure database to track Nigerian students studying abroad, combat certificate fraud, and ensure qualification integrity.
He further commended the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED) of NYSC and called for sustained partnership with the ministry to advance education and youth empowerment.
