The Federal Government has announced plans to embark on a comprehensive review, restructuring, and reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to meet the demands of the future.
Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, made this declaration at the inaugural meeting of NYSC management with heads of corps-producing institutions in Nigeria.
The meeting was held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja on Monday.
The Minister revealed that over 5000 corps members would have their entrepreneurial ventures funded with up to N10 million.
“Permit me to inform us very briefly on what is to come regarding NYSC reforms. I’m pleased to announce that I will be inaugurating a team to undertake the review, restructuring and reforms of the NYSC. The first of these reforms will be centred on reviewing participants with an entrepreneurship mindset and making skills development a core of the programme,” the Minister explained.
She further outlined the vision for the future, envisioning a scenario where NYSC programs are not only self-sustained but also revenue-generating within the next five years.
To achieve this, they plan to institutionalize NYSC ventures as an investment and asset management outfit.
Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed the Director-General of NYSC, while welcoming the heads of corps-producing institutions, stated that the meeting aimed to enhance the mobilization process of prospective corps members.
He emphasized that the meeting, which follows a previous one with heads of corps-producing institutions in West African countries, seeks to evolve strategies for eliminating identified flaws and ensuring a more seamless mobilization 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 a deeper appreciation of issues and ensure desired results,” Ahmed added.
He reiterated NYSC’s commitment to the security and general welfare of corps members, urging corps-producing institutions, parents, and the general public to complement efforts in sensitizing young graduates on call-up for national service.