Yemi Obafemi
The Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, has called for critical reforms aimed at equipping National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 NYSC Annual Management Conference in Abuja, Mr. Olawande emphasized the need to make Corps Members more relevant to societal needs through targeted initiatives in agriculture, rural health, and self-empowerment via vocational skills.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embuhe, the Minister proposed the establishment of a National Internship Scheme dedicated solely to youth empowerment and pledged the continued support of his ministry to the NYSC. “We must create avenues that make Corps Members not only job-ready but also valuable contributors to national development,” he stated.
Earlier, NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described the Annual Management Conference as a vital forum where top NYSC officials reflect on past achievements and strategize for future improvements. He noted that the theme of the 2025 conference, “Transforming the NYSC Scheme to Meet the Yearnings of Contemporary Nigerian Graduates and Society,” underscores a growing demand for innovation within the scheme.
General Nafiu praised President Bola Tinubu for the implementation of the revised Corps Members’ allowance and acknowledged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her steadfast support of Nigerian youths.
“NYSC Management remains committed to initiatives that will better prepare Nigerian youths for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” Nafiu affirmed.
Also speaking at the event, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike—represented by the Mandate Secretary for Youth and Sports, Hon. Ango A. Suleiman—pledged unwavering support for the NYSC.
In his introductory remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Ahmed Wada Ikaka, said the conference would provide participants with the opportunity to critically evaluate the scheme and develop strategies to align it with the aspirations of Nigerian graduates and the broader society.
