Ministry of Youth Development Introduces Training Scheme for NCE Graduates
In a bid to promote the development of youth, the Ministry of Youth Development has announced plans to introduce a training scheme equivalent to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for graduates of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Olawande Wisdom, made this announcement at the opening of the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan on Monday. According to Wisdom, the ministry will partner with the Ministry of Education to introduce new training reforms, one of which is the equivalent of NYSC training for NCE holders and others.
The minister emphasized the importance of training and citizenship, stating that many social vices have been kept at bay through the training of youths by organizations such as the Boys’ Brigade, Girl Guides, and others.
“We have NYSC for those who finished from universities, but what of those who finished from NCE and others?” Wisdom asked. “So, we want to set up a training such that you don’t need to go to other states to have it – you can have it in your state and the camp. We are trying as much as possible to bring a renewed hope to people; to the girls and boys.”
The minister also commended Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the founder of BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, for her contributions to the development of the girl-child and raising the bar of excellence.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the former governor of Ondo State, clarified that the initiative is not owned or funded by the Ondo State Government, but is rather focused on building future female leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
“We cannot achieve development if we leave behind 50 percent of our population, made up of women and girls,” Anyanwu-Akeredolu said.
The event featured a training session by the Red Cross Society on Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and a book launch, “The History of BEMORE, A Historical Voyage by Esther Michael.”
The government’s initiative aims to bridge the gap between NCE holders and other graduates, providing them with equal opportunities for training and development. With this move, the Ministry of Youth Development is further emphasizing its commitment to promoting the growth and well-being of Nigerian youth.
