The Federal Government has announced plans to undertake a comprehensive review, restructuring, and reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to align it with future demands.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, during the inaugural meeting of NYSC management with heads of corps-producing institutions in Nigeria, held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja on Monday.
Dr. Ibrahim revealed that over 5,000 corps members would receive funding for their entrepreneurial ventures, with each venture receiving up to N10 million.
She stated,
“I am pleased to announce the inauguration of a team to review, restructure, and reform the NYSC. The first of these reforms will focus on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among participants and making skills development a core component of the program.”
She envisioned a future where the NYSC program is not only self-sustaining but also generates revenue within the next five years. To achieve this, NYSC ventures will be institutionalized as an investment and asset management outfit.
As part of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund program for 2024, Dr. Ibrahim noted that at least 5,000 corps members would receive funding for their entrepreneurial ventures upon completing their service.
Brigadier General Yushau’ Ahmed, the Director-General of NYSC, welcomed the heads of corps-producing institutions and emphasized the meeting’s goal to enhance the mobilization process for prospective corps members.
He highlighted that the meeting aims to develop strategies to address identified flaws and ensure a more seamless mobilization process.
“We have identified obstacles, such as the delegation of roles to subordinates, and believe that the direct involvement of chief executives of institutions will foster a deeper appreciation of issues and ensure desired results,” Ahmed said.
He reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to the security and welfare of corps members, urging institutions, parents, and the public to help sensitize young graduates about national service and encourage them to avoid night travel when reporting to their deployment states.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, represented by Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, welcomed the participants to Abuja.
He commended the NYSC management for choosing the city as the venue for the meeting and lauded the NYSC’s dedication to national development, unity, and integration.
“NYSC has consistently symbolized our collective commitment to national development, unity, and integration. We must adopt innovative strategies to overcome challenges and enhance best practices for engaging our young graduates in national development efforts,” Wike said.
He praised the NYSC’s efforts to enhance its operations through technology-driven approaches and encouraged active participation in the meeting to ensure its success.
