Federal Government Launches Comprehensive NYSC Reforms
The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to comprehensively review, restructure, and reform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to better align it with future demands. This announcement was made by the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, at the inaugural meeting of NYSC management and heads of corps-producing institutions, held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja on Monday.
Dr. Ibrahim highlighted that over 5,000 corps members will receive entrepreneurial funding, with individual ventures eligible for up to N10 million. She stated, “I am pleased to announce the inauguration of a team dedicated to reviewing, restructuring, and reforming the NYSC. Our initial focus will be on nurturing participants with entrepreneurial ambitions and making skills development central to the program.”
The Minister outlined a vision for the NYSC to become not only self-sustaining but also a revenue-generating entity within the next five years. This would be achieved by transforming NYSC ventures into investment and asset management operations. She emphasized the importance of securing the welfare and safety of corps members and called on corps-producing institutions, parents, and the public to help sensitize young graduates about their responsibilities and safety, particularly avoiding nighttime travel to their deployment states.
“We urge you to use all available channels to support our efforts in informing young graduates about national service requirements and safety measures,” said Dr. Ibrahim.
Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, represented by Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, praised the NYSC for symbolizing national unity and development. Wike commended the NYSC management for their choice of Abuja as the meeting venue and their ongoing efforts to enhance operations through technology.
“NYSC has consistently represented our commitment to national development, unity, and integration. We must adopt innovative strategies to overcome challenges and enhance best practices in engaging our young graduates in national development efforts,” Wike stated.
He encouraged the meeting participants to actively contribute to the success of the discussions, highlighting the importance of evolving the NYSC to meet contemporary needs and future challenges.
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