The Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed extending the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from one year to two years to enhance skills acquisition and boost youth employment. This initiative was discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in Abuja. ​
Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of expanding the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program to better equip corps members with practical skills for job creation and national development. He stated, “Let NYSC give people more opportunity to become job creators that will meet the needs of the country.” ​
Additionally, the Minister advocated for deploying more graduate teachers to rural schools to address manpower shortages. He also commended the NYSC’s efforts in digitizing the mobilization process, which has helped curb certificate racketeering among some foreign-trained graduates within West Africa. ​
Brigadier General Nafiu expressed the NYSC’s commitment to aligning with national policies and reforms, stating, “NYSC is ready to comply with policy guidelines as directed by the Federal Government.” He also called for the establishment of a comprehensive database of Nigerian youths studying abroad to eliminate the issue of fake graduates.
The proposal to extend the NYSC program is part of broader efforts to enhance the employability of Nigerian youths and address challenges in the education sector.
