Federal Government to Launch Internship Program within NYSC Scheme » Voice of Nigeria
Federal Government to Launch Internship Program within NYSC Scheme
Good news! The Nigerian government is introducing an internship program into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. This exciting initiative aims to boost the practical skills and employability of Nigerian youths, bridging the gap between their academic learning and real-world work experience.
Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced the program during the launch of a $50 billion fundraising initiative for the World Youth Peace Centre in Abuja. According to the minister, the internship program will be seamlessly integrated into the existing NYSC structure. This will ensure that corps members gain valuable hands-on experience in various industries, while equipping them with essential skills for success in today’s dynamic workforce.
The underlying motivation for this program is clear. By placing graduates of professional courses in jobs that directly align with their skillsets during their service year, the government aims to give them a significant advantage in the competitive job market post-NYSC.
In addition to the internship program, the minister also announced the upcoming inauguration of a technical committee solely dedicated to youth development. This committee will prioritize skills development for young Nigerians, with a specific focus on the “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2024.
Furthermore, the minister revealed plans to revamp the existing NYSC scheme by the second quarter of next year, with a renewed emphasis on delivering valuable skills training to corps members. This decision stems from the recognition that the current Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SAED) within the NYSC scheme hasn’t yielded optimal results, as not all individuals possess the aptitude for entrepreneurship.
Looking beyond the NYSC scheme, Dr. Godswill Richman, President of the West African Youth Peace Mission (WAYPEM), shared his vision for the construction of a World Youth Peace Centre in Abuja. This ambitious project, estimated to create over 40,000 local jobs for young people, aligns with WAYPEM’s mission to address the rising phenomenon of “Japa Syndrome,” which refers to the mass exodus of skilled professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
The proposed peace centre will boast an impressive array of facilities, including:
- A modern specialist university
- A banking hall
- An event center
- Multi-purpose training facilities for youths and women
- Administrative offices
- Staff quarters
The construction of this center, coupled with the introduction of the NYSC internship program and the “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, signifies a bold and proactive approach towards empowering young Nigerians with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the 21st century. This is a positive step towards creating a brighter future for the nation’s youth, fostering their employability, and addressing the Japa Syndrome
