Alausa calls for extension of NYSC

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has proposed the extension of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme from one year to two years.

He stated that such a move would better equip Nigerian youths and contribute significantly to national development.

Dr. Alausa made the proposal on Friday during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, at his office in Abuja.

According to the minister, the extension would allow for the expansion and strengthening of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, enabling Corps Members to become self-reliant and job creators.

“You have done so well as an organization. Let NYSC give people more opportunities to become job creators who will meet the needs of the country,” Alausa stated, emphasizing the importance of aligning national service with Nigeria’s economic and developmental goals.

He also commended NYSC for adopting a digitalized mobilization process, which has helped curb certificate racketeering among some foreign-trained graduates, particularly within the West African sub-region.

Dr. Alausa further addressed the issue of OND part-time graduates who obtain full-time HND certificates but are excluded from national service, describing it as a lingering concern that requires attention.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Nafiu praised the minister’s leadership and innovations in the education sector.

He also called for the creation of a national database to track Nigerian youths studying abroad, to help address challenges related to foreign education credentials