The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has proposed a significant reform to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by suggesting that the mandatory service year be extended from one year to two years.
The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa explained that the extension would allow for the expansion of the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, aimed at equipping Nigerian graduates with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to become self-reliant job creators rather than job seekers.
According to the Minister, the second year of service would focus on advanced vocational training and small business incubation, giving corps members the opportunity to launch start-ups or further develop their skills in areas aligned with national development priorities.
“We believe that expanding the NYSC period will give our youths more time to gain relevant skills and contribute meaningfully to the economy. The SAED programme can be a game-changer if given more time and resources,” Alausa stated.
He also praised the NYSC’s digital registration platform, which he said has played a crucial role in tackling certificate fraud, particularly among foreign-trained graduates in West Africa.
He noted that the verification system has helped the ministry flag and investigate several questionable credentials, ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to serve.
Dr. Alausa further addressed the long-standing issue surrounding part-time Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holders who later earned full-time Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), but were exempted from national service due to the NYSC Act’s classification.
He said the ministry is working with relevant agencies to resolve the matter fairly and ensure clarity for affected graduates.
In response, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu commended the Minister for his reforms in the education sector and pledged the NYSC’s support in aligning its programmes with national goals.
He also advocated for the creation of a comprehensive database of Nigerian students studying abroad, which he said would help the NYSC track and verify foreign-trained graduates more effectively.
“We need to know where our students are being trained and under what standards. This will greatly assist in curbing academic fraud and maintaining the integrity of the NYSC scheme,” Nafiu said.
While the proposal to extend the NYSC to two years is still under review, it has already begun sparking discussions among education stakeholders and the general public, with debates focusing on feasibility, economic impact, and the willingness of young Nigerians to serve for a longer period.
