Nigeria Plans NYSC-Like Program for NCE Graduates
The Ministry of Youth Development is preparing to launch a training program similar to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for graduates of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
Olawande Wisdom, Minister of State for Youth Development, announced this initiative during the opening of the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan on Monday.
Wisdom explained that the ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to implement new training reforms, including an NYSC-equivalent program for NCE graduates. He highlighted that while social vices have been persistent, youth-focused organizations such as the Boys’ Brigade and Girl Guides have successfully kept many young people away from these issues.
The ministry’s primary focus is on citizenship and training, aiming to reinstate these values. Wisdom noted that while university graduates have NYSC, there is no equivalent for NCE graduates, and the new scheme will allow trainees to complete their service within their home states.
He praised Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, for her significant contributions to the advancement of young girls and setting high standards of excellence. Wisdom urged support for BEMORE and similar organizations dedicated to Nigerian women and girls.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu clarified that the BEMORE initiative is not funded by the Ondo State Government, but is focused on developing future female leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). She emphasized that achieving true development requires including women and girls, who make up half of the population.
Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director and CEO of Odu’a Investments, encouraged participants to fully leverage the knowledge gained from the training. He commended the organizers and mentors for their commitment to empowering girls through technological initiatives aimed at sustainable development.
The event, covered by the News Agency of Nigeria, included a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training session conducted by the Red Cross Society and the launch of the book titled “The History of BEMORE: A Historical Voyage” by Esther Michael.
