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

This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Olawande Wisdom, during the opening of the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Monday.

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

He noted that while the NYSC is available for university graduates, there is currently no equivalent program for those with NCEs and similar qualifications.

“The main focus of the ministry is on citizenship and training, and we are working to reinstate these values. We have the NYSC for university graduates, but what about those who have completed NCEs and other similar programs?” Wisdom asked.

He added, “We aim to establish a training program that can be conducted within your state, eliminating the need to travel to other states for such opportunities.”

The new scheme, once operational, is expected to provide local training options and avoid the need for graduates to relocate for the program.

Wisdom also emphasized the importance of tackling social issues and recognized the positive role of organizations like the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Guide in guiding youth away from negative influences. The ministry’s goal is to reinforce citizenship and training values through the proposed program.