Education Minister Proposes Two-Year Extension For NYSC Service.
In a significant development for Nigeria’s youth, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, has put forward a bold proposal to extend the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service period from one year to two. The announcement came during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja by the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, on Friday.
Dr Alausa’s plan not only seeks to double the duration of the mandatory national service but also includes an ambitious expansion of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Training programme. The enhanced curriculum aims to equip corps members with practical skills and entrepreneurial know-how, better preparing them for life after service.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister praised the NYSC for its role in fostering national unity and its recent efforts to digitise processes, which have curbed certificate racketeering among some foreign-trained graduates in West Africa. “The NYSC has done remarkably well as an organisation,” Dr Alausa said. “Extending the service to two years, with a focus on skill acquisition and entrepreneurship, will give young Nigerians more opportunities to become job creators who can meet the country’s needs.”
The proposed extension would see the first year dedicated to skills training and entrepreneurship development, followed by a second year of traditional national service. This shift, according to the Minister, aligns with the government’s broader vision to address youth unemployment and promote self-reliance.
Brigadier General Nafiu, who assumed his role as NYSC Director General recently, welcomed the proposal, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to adapting to national priorities. “We are ready to comply with policy guidelines as directed by the Federal Government,” he stated. “The NYSC is undergoing reforms to ensure it meets the present needs of the nation.”
The announcement has sparked optimism among education stakeholders, with many viewing it as a step towards empowering Nigeria’s youth.
The NYSC, established in 1973 under General Yakubu Gowon’s administration, was originally designed to promote reconciliation and rebuilding after the Nigerian Civil War. Over the decades, it has evolved into a cornerstone of national integration, with graduates under 30 required to serve in states other than their own for one year.
While details of the proposal are yet to be finalised, it is expected to undergo further consultation with relevant authorities and the public. If approved, the changes could take effect as early as 2026, impacting thousands of graduates annually.
For now, corps members and prospective participants alike await further updates, hopeful that the expanded programme will open new doors to personal and professional growth. As Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges, Dr Alausa’s vision could mark a turning point in how the nation invests in its young talent.
