The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, has proposed the establishment of a new initiative aimed at empowering holders of the National Certificate of Education through a two-year voluntary national service programme.
This proposal, which is part of a broader strategy to engage youth in national development, was discussed during a meeting with officials from the National Youth Service Corps, led by the Director-General, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu.
In a statement released by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, Alausa outlined several key initiatives, including the creation of a Teachers Corps.
This programme would see NCE holders temporarily deployed as teachers in underserved areas, providing critical support to the education sector.
The initiative would be voluntary and open to NCE graduates who meet the age requirements of the NYSC.
Alausa, in his remarks, emphasised that Nigerian youth represent the nation’s most valuable resource, crucial to advancing sectors like education, healthcare, and economic development.
“The Teachers Corps is aimed at addressing the shortage of educators in rural and underserved regions, while also providing NCE holders with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities,” he said.
In addition to the Teachers Corps, the minister proposed the Rural Health Corps, a programme designed to engage nurses, doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who have completed their mandatory NYSC service but wish to extend their service by one year.
This extension would allow these healthcare professionals to serve in rural communities, addressing gaps in healthcare access across the country.
Alausa also called for a comprehensive reform of the NYSC orientation programme, which would incorporate training in vocational skills, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and information and communications technology.
These additions aim to enhance youth employability and reduce unemployment rates.
Furthermore, Alausa suggested an optional 12-month extension to the current NYSC year, giving corps members more time to acquire market-ready skills and make more substantial contributions to national development.
“These initiatives are designed to tackle youth unemployment head-on, while providing young Nigerians with opportunities to gain essential skills that will make them more competitive in the job market,” Alausa added.
