FG to Launch NYSC Equivalent for NCE Graduates; Student Loan Recovery to Begin 2 Years After NYSC
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, has announced plans to introduce a program similar to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) specifically for graduates of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). This initiative was revealed by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Olawande Wisdom, at the opening of the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the program will be developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education as part of broader training reforms. Mr. Wisdom emphasized that while NYSC caters to university graduates, there has been no equivalent program for NCE holders and others with similar qualifications.
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He stated, “The major priority of the ministry is citizenship and training, and we are bringing them back. We have NYSC for those who finished from universities, but what of those who finished from NCE and others?”
Purpose of the Scheme
The proposed scheme aims to provide local training opportunities for NCE graduates, reducing the need for interstate travel for such programs.
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Mr. Wisdom highlighted the ministry’s focus on citizenship and training, noting that organizations like the Boys’ Brigade and Girl Guides have played a vital role in steering youth away from negative influences. The new program is expected to reinforce these values.
Praise for BEMORE Initiative
At the same event, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, was recognized for her efforts in advancing the education and empowerment of girls, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). She clarified that the BEMORE initiative is independently funded and not supported by the Ondo State Government. Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu emphasized the importance of including women and girls in developmental efforts, stating, “We cannot achieve development if we leave 50% of our population, made up of women and girls.”
Encouragement for Youth Participation
Group Managing Director and CEO of Odu’a Investments, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, urged participants to take full advantage of the training opportunities offered at the event. He also praised the event organizers and mentors for their dedication to advancing girls’ education through technology.
The event 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.
Stay tuned for more updates on this and other breaking news in Nigeria.