Minister of Education Advocates Skill-Focused NYSC Reform

Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, has proposed an extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) beyond the existing 12-month period. This initiative, he said, would serve as a strategic approach to tackling youth unemployment by providing young Nigerians with extended time to develop market-relevant skills.

Speaking during a visit by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, and his team to the Ministry in Abuja, the Minister emphasized that Nigerian youths remain the country’s greatest asset for advancing progress in education, healthcare, and economic growth.

According to a statement, Alausa explained that extending the service year would allow corps members to contribute more meaningfully to national development while improving their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.

He also proposed several key initiatives, including the Teacher’s Call a programme aimed at deploying NCE holders as temporary teachers in underserved areas; the Rural Health Corps, which would send medically trained corps members to rural communities; and a holistic reform of the NYSC orientation programme to integrate vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, and ICT training. These initiatives, he said, aim to enhance youth employability and reduce unemployment.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s continued collaboration and shared ongoing NYSC reforms designed to boost service delivery.

He further proposed the development of a pre-departure databaseto monitor Nigerian students abroad, address certificate fraud, and uphold the authenticity of their academic qualifications.

The Director-General also commended the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, calling for deeper collaboration with the Education Ministry to strengthen youth empowerment and education nationwide.