- The bill seeks to create a special intervention fund aimed at improving the NYSC’s operations
- The proposed fund aims to bridge the skills gap in Nigeria by providing training opportunities for corps members, while also boosting employment and entrepreneurship among the youth
- The bill has garnered support from lawmakers who believe it aligns with Nigeria's national development goals, though questions remain about securing adequate funding and political backing
The House of Representatives is set to debate a new bill aimed at providing a sustainable source of funding for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), ensuring the training, skills acquisition, and empowerment of corps members.
Titled the "NYSC Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill 2024," the proposed legislation seeks to create a legal framework for a special intervention fund dedicated to improving the operations and efficiency of the NYSC.
The bill, which was read for the first time in the House two weeks ago, is sponsored by Hon. ABDULMUMIN MOHAMMED the lawmaker representing Nasarawa/Toro Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State.
A copy of the bill, sighted by TheRadar, reveals that the fund will target key areas such as the enhancement of corps members’ skills, the provision of necessary equipment, and the expansion of NYSC ventures to further boost employment generation and national development.
At the heart of the bill is the establishment of a trust fund to support NYSC’s objectives.
The fund is designed to cover a wide range of activities, including training and empowerment initiatives for corps members, as well as the development of orientation camps and NYSC facilities across the country.
The bill’s Section 2(1) outlines the broad goals of the fund, stating that it will provide resources for “corps, personnel of the NYSC, orientation camps, formations, facilities, and the overall improvement and efficiency in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.”
The proposed fund is positioned as a critical tool for modernizing the NYSC’s operations and making its programs more impactful for corps members, while also contributing to the overall development of the country.
The board will have the authority to regulate the administration of the Trust Fund, set policies for training and empowerment programs, and approve the disbursement of funds for various NYSC projects.
In addition to overseeing financial disbursements, the board will also be empowered to award contracts related to the fund’s projects, ensuring that all expenditures comply with the applicable laws and regulations.
By focusing on the training and empowerment of corps members, the proposed NYSC Trust Fund seeks to address critical issues of youth unemployment and skills development.
The fund will not only support the NYSC’s core activities but also expand its capacity to offer more comprehensive programs that directly contribute to the economic and social development of the country.
A major goal of the bill is to reduce the growing skills gap in Nigeria by equipping young Nigerians with the tools and knowledge needed for successful careers, while also encouraging entrepreneurship and self-reliance among youth.
The bill’s sponsor, Hon. ABDULMUMIN MOHAMMED, along with other lawmakers, is hopeful that the proposal will gain broad support in the House, as it aligns with the federal government’s objectives of improving national development and addressing youth unemployment.
NYSC gives directive on redeployment for married female corps members
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) issued a directive for married female corps members posted away from their husbands to seek redeployment to a more suitable location.
The scheme announced this on X, formerly Twitter, in a post published on Monday, August 26.
