The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is set to introduce a training program akin to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for graduates of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). This was revealed by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Olawande Wisdom, during the opening of the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan on Monday.
Minister Wisdom announced that the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is working on reforms that will include a training scheme equivalent to the NYSC, tailored for NCE holders and others. He emphasized the importance of youth training programs, noting that organizations such as the Boys’ Brigade and Girl Guides have historically played a crucial role in steering young people away from social vices.
“The primary focus of the ministry is on citizenship and youth training, and we are committed to revitalizing these efforts,” Wisdom said. “We already have the NYSC for university graduates, but what about those who have completed their NCE and similar qualifications? We aim to establish a training program that can be conducted within their own states, eliminating the need for relocation.”
The minister highlighted ongoing reforms and expressed the ministry’s dedication to bringing renewed hope to the nation’s youth. He also lauded Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, for her significant contributions to the development of the girl-child and her efforts to raise the standards of excellence.
Minister Wisdom urged continued support for BEMORE and similar organizations working to advance the causes of Nigerian women and girls.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the former governor of Ondo State, clarified that the BEMORE initiative is independent and not funded by the Ondo State government. She explained that the program is focused on nurturing future female leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), inspired by her personal experiences growing up.
“We cannot achieve true development if we leave behind 50 percent of our population, comprised of women and girls,” she stated.
Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director and CEO of Odu’a Investments, also addressed the participants, encouraging them to fully embrace the knowledge and skills offered through the training. He praised the organizers and mentors for their commitment to empowering girls through technology-driven initiatives aimed at fostering a sustainable future.
The event included a training session on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by the Red Cross Society, followed by the launch of a book titled “The History of BEMORE: A Historical Voyage” by Esther Michael.
(News Agency of Nigeria)
