In a groundbreaking move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched an ambitious internship program within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) aimed at significantly enhancing the practical skills and employability of the country’s youth.
This visionary initiative, announced by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during the unveiling of a $50 billion fundraising program for the construction of a World Youth Peace Centre organized by the West African Youth Peace Mission (WAYPEM) in Abuja, seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in academic institutions and the real-world demands of the workforce.
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The newly launched internship program is poised to become an integral part of the existing NYSC structure, providing corps members with invaluable hands-on experience across various industries. The strategic goal is to empower graduates with skills that align with the demands of the modern job market, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness.
During the announcement, the minister, represented by Chief-of-Staff Mohammed Abdullahi, emphasized the program’s focus on deploying graduates of professional courses to environments where their skills can be refined during their service year. The intent is to give them a distinct advantage in the fiercely competitive post-service year labor market.
In addition to this milestone, the minister disclosed plans for the imminent inauguration of a technical committee on youth development. Scheduled to take place within the next couple of weeks, this committee will concentrate on developing initiatives to equip Nigerian youths with essential skills. A key initiative, “One Youth, Two Skills,” is set to be rolled out in the first quarter of the upcoming year.
Acknowledging the limitations of the current Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SAED) within the NYSC, the minister affirmed that not every individual is predisposed to entrepreneurship. As a response, the NYSC scheme is slated for redesign by the second quarter of the next year, emphasizing a shift towards delivering practical and relevant skills.
Running parallel to these developments, Dr. Godswill Richman, President of WAYPEM, revealed that the construction of the peace center in Abuja is anticipated to generate over 40,000 local jobs for the youth. The commercial complex of the center will house a modern specialist university, a banking hall, an event center, multipurpose training facilities for youths and women, administrative offices, and staff quarters.
This concerted effort by the government and youth-focused organizations underscores a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by young graduates. The launch of the internship program within the NYSC heralds a new era in fostering a seamless transition from academic institutions to the dynamic landscape of the professional world.
Source: Leadership NG – Federal Government Launches Ambitious Internship Program Within NYSC
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