CSOs Reject Two-Year Extension, Advocate Six-Month Skills Focus
By Abdulhamid Sani
April 6, 2025 – The National Council for Civil Society Organisations (NACCSO) today vehemently rejected the proposed two-year extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, arguing it fails to address Nigeria’s deep-seated unemployment crisis. Instead, NACCSO calls for a radical reform: a six-month program focused on intensive skills development, coupled with startup funding for graduating corps members.
While acknowledging the NYSC’s role in fostering national unity and cultural exchange, NACCSO emphasized that extending the service duration is not a viable solution to the nation’s staggering unemployment rates. “Extending the NYSC program will only lead to further frustration for young graduates, adding two years to their post-university wait without guaranteeing employment,” stated Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, National President of NACCSO.
Key Points Highlighted:
- NYSC’s Current Limitations: While promoting national unity and cultural integration, the program is insufficient to combat systemic unemployment.
- Unemployment Crisis: Extending the NYSC will not solve the fundamental issue of job scarcity.
- Skills Gap: The current NYSC structure does not adequately equip graduates with industry-relevant skills.
NACCSO’s Alternative Proposal:
NACCSO proposes a six-month NYSC program focused on intensive skills development. The funds allocated for the remaining six months of service should be repurposed to provide startup capital for graduating corps members. This approach aims to:
- Enhance Employability: Equip young Nigerians with practical, in-demand skills.
- Boost Entrepreneurship: Provide financial support for graduates to launch their own businesses.
- Increase Efficiency: Reduce the financial burden on the government and corps members, maximizing resource utilization.
“Our proposal focuses on empowering young Nigerians to become job creators, not just job seekers,” explained Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, NACCSO Public Relations Officer. “By investing in skills development and providing startup capital, we can unlock their potential and stimulate economic growth.”
NACCSO’s Holistic Approach to Unemployment:
NACCSO advocates for a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of unemployment, including:
- Vocational Training: Investing in robust vocational training and skills development programs.
- Job Creation Initiatives: Supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation projects.
- Economic Growth: Fostering a business-friendly environment to drive economic expansion.
Conclusion:
NACCSO remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to develop effective solutions to Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. By prioritizing skills development and job creation, Nigeria can leverage its vast resources and unlock its economic potential.
Long Live NYSC!
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long Live NACCSO!
Signed:
Comrade Okpanachi Jacob
NACCSO Public Relations Officer
Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny
National President
April 6, 2025.
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