Minister of Education Proposes Two-Year NYSC Scheme, Plans Expansion of Skills Training for Corps Members

In a bold move set to spark national debate, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has proposed extending the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme from one year to two years.

The Minister made this disclosure during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja by the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.

According to Dr. Alausa, the proposed extension is aimed at enhancing national development and improving the quality of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. He noted that by extending the service year, corps members would have more time to acquire practical, job-ready skills and contribute meaningfully to their host communities.

“The NYSC programme is more than just national integration—it’s a vehicle for equipping our youths with essential life and entrepreneurial skills. A longer service year will allow us to expand the SAED curriculum and truly empower our young graduates for the future,” Dr. Alausa states.

While details of the proposal are still being worked out, the announcement has already begun generating reactions from various quarters, with many awaiting an official policy direction and legislative action.

The NYSC, established in 1973, has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s youth development strategy, aimed at fostering unity and offering fresh graduates a transitional year of national service. If implemented, this would mark the first major structural overhaul of the scheme in decades.

More updates to follow as this story develops.

By Bashar Muhammad

GMN Correspondent, Sokoto State