The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in his commitment to youth skills acquisition, has advocated for the extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service year beyond 12 months.

He stated that this would enable every Nigerian youth to be fully trained in at least one skill of their choice, thereby making them relevant in the job market.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday by the Director of Press in the ministry, Folasade Boriowo.

Boriowo quoted the minister as having disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu.

Alausa said this would allow corps members to make deeper contributions to national development after acquiring market-ready skills.

He emphasised the need to reposition the NYSC scheme to align with national development goals.

He noted that such an extension would serve as a strategic solution to unemployment by providing young Nigerians with more time to acquire market-ready skills.

According to him, this initiative would allow corps members to make more meaningful contributions to national development while enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential.

He then reaffirmed his belief in the potential of Nigerian youth as the country’s greatest asset for advancing education and economic growth, a potential that cannot be underestimated.

He also proposed the Teacher’s Call initiative, aimed at engaging NCE holders as temporary teachers in underserved areas, as well as a rural health corps to deliver medical training to rural communities.

He advocated for a comprehensive reform of the orientation programme to incorporate vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, and ICT training that enhances employability and reduces youth unemployment.

He described Nigerian youth as “the greatest asset for advancing education and economic growth”, and stressed that they should not be neglected.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, applauded the NYSC for its pivotal role in maintaining educational standards and protecting the integrity of academic certificates, especially in light of challenges with transnational education.

The D-G, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the ministry’s continued partnership and noted ongoing reforms within the NYSC to improve national service delivery.

Nafiu advocated for the creation of a pre-departure database to track Nigerian students studying abroad, combat certificate fraud, and ensure qualification integrity.

He further commended the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED) of NYSC and called for sustained partnership with the ministry to advance education and youth empowerment.

(NAN)

Abia Governor, Alex Otti, has firmly ruled out any plans to contest for a Senate seat after his tenure ends.

He made the declaration on Saturday during a reception held in his honour by the Anambra Development Unions Association, Aba branch.

Otti dismissed speculations of a senatorial ambition, describing the rumours as baseless and misleading.

“When I finish my eight years here, I will retire.

He stressed the need to give room for younger leaders, citing the evolving political landscape and rising youth participation.

“We are no longer that young. Society is changing, and the young ones are rising.

The governor also announced plans to revisit the 2011 disengagement of 154 state workers, mostly teachers, from the civil service.

He said the State Head of Service would be directed to urgently review the matter for possible redress.

Otti hinted that those under 65 might be reengaged on contract, especially given the teacher shortage across the state.

He criticised the workers’ dismissal on the basis of state of origin, calling it unjust and illegal.

“For those outside the age bracket, we’ll find fair compensation mechanisms,” the governor assured.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, inclusivity, and correcting the wrongs of previous governments.

In separate remarks, lawmaker Stephen Ucheonye and Chief Obiora Nwakpadolo praised Otti’s leadership and developmental strides.

They said the governor’s performance inspired the decision to hold the reception in his honour. (NAN)

The 81 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, investigated the Mushin area following an explosion on Friday.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, on Saturday.

The explosion occurred at Idi-Araba in Mushin Local Government Area.

The blast reportedly caused one death and left others injured, prompting a joint investigation by security agencies to determine its cause.

Ayeni confirmed the explosion happened at a metal scrap yard in Mushin, resulting in one fatality and injuries to two individuals.

He said the Division’s Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) Squadron has been tasked to work with the Police to uncover the explosion’s source.

The team will also assess the surrounding area to guarantee ongoing safety and prevent further incidents in the vicinity.

Residents have been urged to stay calm and not panic, as authorities work to secure the environment.

Ayeni expressed the Division’s condolences to the deceased’s family and wished the injured a speedy recovery. (NAN)