Through a two-year optional national service program, Dr. Maruf Alausa, the Minister of Education, has suggested launching a new initiative to empower National Certificate of Education holders.
The Director-General, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, convened a meeting with National Youth Service Corps officials to examine this proposal, which is a component of a larger plan to involve youth in national development.
Alausa listed a number of important projects, including the establishment of a Teachers Corps, in a statement issued by Folashade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education.
Through this scheme, NCE holders will be temporarily assigned as teachers in underprivileged areas, giving the education sector vital help.
The program would be optional and available to NCE graduates who fulfill the NYSC’s age criteria.
In his speech, Alausa emphasized that Nigerian youth are the country’s most precious asset and are essential to the advancement of industries like healthcare, education, and economic growth.
In addition to giving NCE holders a chance to make a significant contribution to their communities, the Teachers Corps seeks to alleviate the teacher shortage in underserved and rural areas, he stated.
The minister also suggested the Rural Health Corps, a program for physicians, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists who have finished their required NYSC duty but would like to continue for an additional year.
By enabling these medical experts to work in remote areas, this extension would help close the nation’s healthcare access disparities.
Alausa also demanded that the NYSC orientation program be completely redesigned to include instruction in information and communications technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and vocational skills.
The purpose of these additions is to lower unemployment rates and improve young employability.
In order to provide corps members more opportunity to build marketable skills and contribute more significantly to national development, Alausa also proposed an optional 12-month extension to the present NYSC year.
“These programs aim to address youth unemployment directly while giving young Nigerians the chance to acquire critical skills that will increase their employability,” Alausa continued.
Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, the Minister of State for Education, praised the NYSC in his remarks for its crucial role in upholding academic standards and guaranteeing the validity of academic credentials.
This is especially crucial in light of the growing skepticism regarding the legitimacy of international education.
Abel Enitan, the ministry’s permanent secretary, praised the new efforts as well and emphasized the value of cooperation between the NYSC and the Ministry of Education.
According to him, the conversations represented a welcome convergence of ideas with the goal of advancing long-term solutions in youth development and education.
In his reply, the NYSC DG emphasized ongoing NYSC reforms to enhance service delivery and conveyed gratitude for the ministry’s sustained assistance.
In order to prevent certificate fraud, monitor Nigerian students studying overseas, and maintain the integrity of credentials, Nafiu also talked about intentions to create a pre-departure database.
The DG also commended the NYSC’s program for the development of skills and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the value of fortifying the collaboration with the Ministry to promote education and young empowerment.
The leadership of the NYSC and the Ministry of Education reaffirmed their shared dedication to reforms that prioritize honesty, creativity, and youth-driven change.
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