The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has called for the review of school curriculum and introduction of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development SAED, as it would expose students to vocational skills before they graduate.
The Director-General disclosed this in Abuja when the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, led a delegation from the institution to deliver a congratulatory message to Major General Ibrahim on his elevation to the new rank of Major General in the Nigeran Army.
He said the Scheme has partnered many institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BoI), Access Bank, Heritage Bank, Leventis Foundation and other agricultural institutions like NALDA and ARMTI towards the training and empowerment of corps members that have passion for agriculture.
The DG added that efforts are on top gear for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund which will make funds available to corps members to start their businesses as they exit service.
He further stated that the proposed Trust Fund would also improve maintenance of Orientation Camp facilities and NYSC Skill Acquisition Centres across the country.
“We urge the Federal University Lokoja and other stakeholders to support us in youth empowerment”, the DG added.
He disclosed that NYSC has been interfacing with relevant institutions like the National Universities Commission (NUC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), among others to inject more sanity into the mobilisation process of eligible graduates for national service.
Major General Ibrahim, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and also lauded him for the congratulatory visit.
Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokojo Professor Akinwumi, said the university is delighted to associate with the landmark achievements recorded by the DG since he assumed duty in NYSC.
“We are proud of what you and your team are doing. NYSC must be protected because it is for the unity of the country” he said
The Vice-chancellor, therefore, called for continuous support for the NYSC Scheme especially the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, saying that SAED has empowered a large number of graduate youths to become self-reliant across the country.