The Federal Government is exploring the possibility of introducing a training scheme similar to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for graduates of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). This was disclosed by Olawande Wisdom, the Minister of State for Youth Development, during the opening of the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan on Monday.
Wisdom announced that the Ministry of Youth Development plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to implement new training reforms. These reforms include establishing a program for NCE graduates that would provide them with training and opportunities comparable to those offered by the NYSC for university graduates.
He emphasized the importance of youth training programs, such as those offered by the Boys’ Brigade and Girl Guides, in keeping young people away from social vices.
“The ministry’s major priority is citizenship and training, and we are working to reintroduce these programs,” Wisdom said. “We have NYSC for university graduates, but what about those who complete their education with an NCE? We want to create a training program that can be conducted within their state, eliminating the need for them to travel elsewhere.”
The minister also praised Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the founder of BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, for her significant contributions to the development of the girl-child and for raising the standard of excellence in this area. He called for greater support for BEMORE and similar organizations that are dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls in Nigeria.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the former governor of Ondo State, clarified that the BEMORE initiative is independent of the Ondo State Government. She explained that the initiative is focused on building future female leaders in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), inspired by her own experiences growing up.
In his address, Abdulrahman Yinusa, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Oodu’a Investments, encouraged participants to take full advantage of the knowledge and skills imparted during the training. He commended the organizers and mentors for their efforts in preparing girls for a sustainable future through technological education.
The event also featured 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.