By Omoigui Tessy
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, on Saturday, 5 April 2025, proposed an extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from its current one-year duration to two years. The proposal seeks to equip Nigerian youths with more robust skills and practical knowledge, thereby fostering greater national development.
According to Dr Alausa, the proposed extension would place greater emphasis on the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. This initiative aims to empower corps members with practical skills that promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship, enabling them to become job creators rather than job seekers. The ultimate goal is to reduce the rising rate of unemployment across the country.
He further stressed the importance of aligning the NYSC scheme with Nigeria’s broader economic and developmental goals. Dr Alausa also commended the Corps for adopting a digital mobilisation process, which has significantly reduced cases of certificate fraud among foreign-trained graduates.
In addition, the Minister drew attention to the longstanding issue of part-time Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holders who, despite earning full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates, are currently ineligible for national service. He expressed the need for a policy review to address this exclusion.
While the proposal has drawn commendation from some quarters, it also raises critical concerns. Extending the NYSC to two years without a corresponding review of funding, infrastructure, and post-service opportunities may place additional burdens on both the government and participants. Many argue that the existing one-year programme is already underfunded, with corps members often facing poor living conditions, delayed allowances, and inadequate support for skill development. Without concrete reforms to address these systemic issues, critics warn that a longer service period may do little to improve outcomes and could instead deepen frustrations among Nigerian youths.
Ultimately, while the intention to enhance youth empowerment is laudable, any extension of the NYSC must be approached with caution, transparency, and thorough stakeholder engagement to ensure it delivers meaningful and measurable impact.
Support ACJ UNIBEN's goal of always bringing truth to light.
Excellent campus journalism requires financial support. Yet, it is this very journalism that contributes to an informed campus community, transparency in educational institutions, and an engaged student body. To continue offering free access to top-notch campus journalism, we invite you to consider making a modest contribution to this worthwhile endeavor. Your support for ACJ UNIBEN's campus journalism ensures its relevance and availability to all students, free of charge, fostering an informed and active campus community.
DONATE