Every Year, young Nigerian graduate come out of the Nigeria Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. Sadly, only the exceptional students and those who can pray for miracle end up with a job.
As a result, between 2014 to 2021, the unemployment rate in Nigeria rose close to 25.87%.
No White Coller Jobs
In Niger State, there are some graduates in the current NYSC scheme.
Due to the lack of job, the Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago, wants the gradates to look in a different direction.
He has advised the current batch of National Youth Service Corp members to acquire skills, saying there are no white-collar jobs in Nigeria anymore.
According to him, with the current economic downturn and the removal of fuel subsidies only those with skills will be able to eke out a living.
Bago spoke at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Paiko, during the opening and swearing-in ceremony for the 2023 Batch B Stream II.
The governor, who was represented by Salisu Abubakar, Secretary to the State Government, stated that the absence of readily accessible white-collar jobs made the call imperative.
Skill Acquisition
“With what is happening in the country with the current economic downturn and the removal of fuel subsidy, only those in the skilled sector are at an advantage.
“I am aware that the NYSC Skill Acquisition Programme commenced from orientation camp.
“I strongly advise you to participate actively in these trainings and acquire skills for yourselves.
“Note that white-collar jobs are becoming scarce, therefore, it is very important to learn a skill or two to quickly become self-reliant.”
Bago noted that the NYSC provided corps members with an opportunity to contribute their quota to national development.
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“As you are aware, the scheme was created with the aim of national integration.
“I, therefore, urge you to continue to live up to the expectations of Nigerians and that of the founding fathers.
“I admonish you against indiscipline. Abide by the ethics of your various profession and also participate actively in camp activities.”
Camp Infrastructure
The governor acknowledged the difficulties at the state NYSC camp and said that his administration would improve the camp’s infrastructure.
He also gave the management reassurance that the state government was committed to creating a favorable environment in Niger State for the NYSC to operate.
Salisu Abubakar, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Council, advised the corps members to stand out in all of their endeavours.
He claimed that the corps members were one of Nigeria’s greatest assets and that they had a responsibility to uphold established authority throughout their service year.
Abubakar guaranteed them that the NYSC governing body in the state would continue to fulfill its obligation to provide transportation.
Also, he made a promise to provide good housing, and security for corps members through Musa Rogo Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, General Duties.
