The Federal Government has initiated plans for an extensive overhaul and modernization of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to align it with future expectations.
During the inaugural session of the NYSC’s strategic meeting with leaders from corps-producing institutions across Nigeria, which took place at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, disclosed these intentions.
In addition, Dr. Ibrahim revealed a significant funding initiative, stating that more than 5000 corps members would receive financial support of up to N10 million each for their business projects.
Dr. Ibrahim provided a brief overview of the impending changes to the NYSC: “I am delighted to share that a dedicated team will soon be formed to conduct a thorough review and implement the necessary restructuring and reforms within the NYSC. The initial phase of these reforms will focus on nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit among participants and integrating skill development into the heart of the program.
“Our goal is to transform the NYSC into a self-reliant and profit-generating entity within the next five years. To realize this ambition, we will establish the NYSC ventures as a key player in investment and asset management.
“Moreover, as a component of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund’s 2024 agenda, I am thrilled to announce that we will be providing financial backing to at least 5000 corps members’ entrepreneurial endeavors with grants of up to N10 million upon their completion of service,” he elaborated.
On his part, the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau’ Ahmed, while welcoming the heads of corps producing institutions, said the meeting aimed at enhancing the mobilisation process of prospective corps members.
Ahmed said the meeting, which is a follow-up to a previous one with heads of corps producing institutions in West African countries, aims to evolve strategies for eliminating identified flaws and ensuring a more seamless mobilisation process.
“We have identified some obstacles, including the delegation of roles to subordinates, and we believe that the direct involvement of chief executives of institutions will promote deeper appreciation of issues and ensure desired results,” Ahmed added.
He also reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to the security and general welfare of corps members, appealing to corps producing institutions, parents, and the general public to complement efforts in sensitising young graduates on call-up for national service.
“We urge you to use all available avenues to complement our efforts in sensitising young graduates on call-up for national service to avoid travelling at night when reporting to their states of deployment,” Ahmed said.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, in his address, welcomed the participants to Abuja and commended the NYSC management for choosing the city as the venue for the meeting.
Wike who was represented by the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration,
Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi said, “NYSC has consistently symbolised our collective commitment to national development, unity, and integration. We must adopt innovative strategies to surmount challenges and enhance best practices for the engagement of our young graduates in national development efforts.”
He praised the NYSC’s efforts to enhance its operations through technology-driven approaches and urged the participants to actively contribute to the meeting’s success.
