By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has advocated for a more impactful one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program rather than extending it to two years.
He stated the need for corps members to be equipped with job creation skills and entrepreneurial training during their service year.
Olawande made the remarks on Monday in Abuja during the 2025 Annual Management Conference of the NYSC.
His statement comes after the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, proposed extending the NYSC duration to two years to expand skill acquisition programs.
The Youth Minister, however, stressed that the focus should be on a National Internship Scheme to help corps members gain valuable skills for employment or entrepreneurship.
He criticized the current system where many corps members complete their service without meaningful personal or societal impact.
“If corps members receive proper training and certifications, they will leave service more empowered rather than just participating in parades,” Olawande said.
He called for reforms to make the NYSC more beneficial to graduates and the nation. Meanwhile, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu stated that this year’s conference aimed to reposition the scheme to meet modern demands.
The theme, “Transforming the NYSC Scheme to Meet the Yearnings of Contemporary Nigerian Graduates and Society,” reflects the need for innovation in youth service.