Ministry of Youth Development Plans NYSC-Equivalent Training for NCE Graduates, Announces Minister

The Ministry of Youth Development has announced plans to introduce a training program similar to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for graduates of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). This new initiative aims to extend the benefits of structured post-graduation training to NCE holders, who have previously been excluded from the NYSC framework.

Olawande Wisdom, the Minister of State for Youth Development, revealed this during the opening ceremony of the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan on Monday. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Education to roll out significant training reforms, with the NCE-equivalent program being a key component.

Wisdom highlighted the importance of training in curbing social vices, drawing attention to the positive impact that organizations like the Boys’ Brigade and Girl Guides have had on youth development. He noted that the ministry’s primary focus is on citizenship and training, areas that will be revitalized through the new reforms.

"We have the NYSC for university graduates, but what about those who completed their NCE and others? We are working on establishing a training scheme that will allow them to undergo similar experiences, but without the need to leave their home states," Wisdom said. "This initiative is part of our broader effort to bring renewed hope to the youth, both girls and boys."

The Minister praised Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, for her dedication to the development of the girl-child, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). He urged public and private sector support for BEMORE and similar organizations that focus on empowering women and girls across Nigeria.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the former governor of Ondo State, clarified that the BEMORE initiative is independent of the Ondo State government, stating that its mission is to build future female leaders in STEM, inspired by her own life experiences.

“We cannot achieve true development if we leave behind 50 percent of our population, which is made up of women and girls,” she remarked.

The event also featured an address from Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director and CEO of Odu’a Investments, who encouraged participants to fully engage with the training provided. He lauded the organizers for their efforts in equipping young girls with the technological skills necessary for driving future sustainability.

The bootcamp included a practical training session on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) conducted by the Red Cross Society, followed by the launch of a book titled The History of BEMORE: A Historical Voyage by Esther Michael.

The proposed NCE-equivalent training scheme and the success of programs like BEMORE underscore the Ministry of Youth Development's commitment to broadening opportunities for all Nigerian youth, regardless of their educational background.

(NAN)