Nigerian govt to launch NYSC-like program for NCE graduates

The Ministry of Youth Development is launching a new training program for graduates of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), similar to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The announcement was made by Mr. Olawande Wisdom, the Minister of State for Youth Development, during the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan yesterday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Wisdom revealed that the ministry plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to implement several training reforms, including a program resembling the NYSC for NCE graduates.

He noted that while the NYSC caters to university graduates, there has been no equivalent for NCE holders and similar qualifications. “Our main priority is citizenship and training, and we are working to reinstate these values. We have the NYSC for university graduates, but what about those who completed NCE and other similar programs?” he said.

The new initiative aims to provide local training opportunities, reducing the need for travel to other states.

Wisdom also highlighted the importance of addressing social issues and praised organizations like the Boys’ Brigade and Girl Guides for their role in steering youth away from negative influences. He emphasized that the ministry’s focus is on enhancing citizenship and training through the proposed program.

During the event, Wisdom praised Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, for her contributions to girls’ development and for raising standards. Anyanwu-Akeredolu clarified that the BEMORE initiative is not funded by the Ondo State Government and is focused on nurturing future female leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). She stressed the need to include women and girls in development efforts, citing her personal experiences as motivation for the initiative. “We cannot achieve development if we leave 50% of our population, made up of women and girls,” she said.

Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director and CEO of Odu’a Investments, encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training opportunities. He commended the event’s organizers and mentors for their dedication to advancing girls through technological education.

The event also featured a training session on Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by the Red Cross Society and the launch of a book titled “The History of BEMORE: A Historical Voyage” by Esther Michael.