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Tag: NYSC

  • BREAKING: Corp members escape death as NYSC hostel collapses in Ekiti

    BREAKING: Corp members escape death as NYSC hostel collapses in Ekiti

    Some Corps members deployed to Ekiti State narrowly escaped death on Friday morning when the wall of the female hostel of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp collapsed on them. 

    The corp members recuperating in the clinic inside the orientation camp were said to have been rescued by their male counterparts who retrieved them from the rubbles. 

    One of the sources said: ”Yes the wall of one of the female hostels collapsed this morning (Friday) . It was the bathroom wall which caved in when they were planning to take their bath.

    ” But thank God, people rushed down there to retrieve them from the rubbles. They have been stabilized at the clinic and they will get further medical treatments.”

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu’s wife urges NYSC members to make positive impact

    An official of the NYSC who spoke on anonymity confirmed the incident, saying only two corps members were affected and recuperating in the camp’s clinic.

    He said there have been persistent calls by the leadership of NYSC in Ekiti State for the renovation of the dilapidated hostels but all the calls proved abortive

    He called on parents and guardians not to panic over the incident, adding that it had no serious negative impact on the corps members. 

    The corps members are in the camp for the three-week compulsory orientation camp for those posted to the State.

  • How we are preventing Cholera outbreak in camps – NYSC

    How we are preventing Cholera outbreak in camps – NYSC

    The management of the National Youth Services Corps (NYSC) has explained how the affairs of several camps are being handled to guide against a possible outbreak of Cholera during the ongoing 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream 1 orientation course. 

    NYSC, through its Director, South-West Area Office, Mrs Olubukola Abiodun, told The Nation they were preventing corps members from clustering. 

    She added that officials and staff at the kitchen were all tested before they were admitted into the kitchen, boasting that any camp would not record an outbreak of cholera with measures that had been put in place. 

    Read Also: NYSC portal crash leaves prospective corps members stranded in Cross River

    According to her,: “As they (Corp members) come in, the first port of call is for them to wash their hands. When they finish, they proceed to take their accommodation. That has been well arranged to ensure that they don’t come into the registration hall in large numbers. 

    “Seats are provided for them to sit on as they are called in to register. So on no account will they cluster in a place.”

    She added: “At the kitchen, the staff involved in the cooking are well tested, and screened before they were employed. In the kitchen, water is running and the cooks are on apron with a head bonnet. 

    “As much as possible, the food is served on a platoon basis, so there won’t be any issue.”

  • NYSC portal crash leaves prospective corps members stranded in Cross River

    NYSC portal crash leaves prospective corps members stranded in Cross River

    …NYSC blames NIMC links access for portal Crash

    Thousands of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members are currently stranded in Cross River State due to the sudden crash of the NYSC registration portal on Saturday night.

    The portal, which opened on June 8, 2024, crashed less than 12 hours later, leaving registrants stranded.

    Our reporter, who is monitoring the situation in the state, reports that thousands of Nigerian graduates, waiting to enrol in the NYSC scheme, were left stranded at Ikom, Calabar, Ogoja, and Ugep, at various computer centres across the state while trying to register for the exercise.

    Two days later, on June 10th, 2024, the NYSC headquarters finally stated its apology, explaining that the portal crash was due to a conflict in the link between NIMC’s access to NYSC’s database, which led to the system disruption.

    The statement reads in parts: “This is to inform all critical stakeholders of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), accredited NYSC Cyber Café Operators (CB0), 2024 batch “B’ Prospective Corps Members (PCM) and the general public that we are aware of service disruption recently experienced on our registration portal.

    Read Also: NITDA, NYSC target 30m Nigerian youths for digital literacy

    “We have reviewed the situation and narrowed the cause of breakdown to conflict on the link in between NIMC access to our database containing sensitive user profile information and our technical crew has made additional changes to our technical infrastructure, which necessitated temporary disablement of access to batch “B” PCM registration to prevent further complications and technical irregularities.

    “Note that no specific technical action is required of our esteemed CBOS. However, CBOS is implored to update and educate Prospective Corp Members on this development pending resolution. All 2024 batch “B’ Prospective Corps Members are hereby cautioned to desist from ascribing fault to CBOS for the delay.

    “We strongly recommend that all CBOS repose the confidentiality of their access code to prevent unauthorized use by providing an additional layer of security for their account (Additional details are available in our help centre).

    “While we deeply regret this incident and apologize to all affected, we shall as a Mea Culpa extend the registration period which will officially reflect on the registration portal as soon as technical issues are resolved.”

  • NITDA, NYSC target 30m Nigerian youths for digital literacy

    NITDA, NYSC target 30m Nigerian youths for digital literacy

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development as well as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has launched a comprehensive digital literacy programme aimed at empowering 30 million Nigerian youths.

    The strategic partnership, which was formalised at the NYSC secretariat in Abuja, was designed to bridge the digital divide and empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

    The programme is expected to empower 30 million youths across the country and provide platforms for them to become digital entrepreneurs.

    The NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said the programme would focus on providing practical training in key areas, such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing.

    Abdullahi said 30 million Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, would benefit from the initiative as they would be fully equipped with skills necessary for the digital economy by 2027.

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    Speaking at the launch of the project at the weekend, Abdullahi emphasised the importance of digital literacy to the nation’s quest for economic diversification, noting that leveraging technology to enhance productivity and digital skills is the way to go.

    He said: “We have set up the team working with your (NYSC) team to explore how you can infuse technology into the NYSC process, experiment with emerging technologies, like block chain, to secure NYSC certificates, and build digital skills capacity among Corps members. Today, we are here on the bigger mission.”

    Abdullahi cited global research that predicted 85 million talent deficits by 2030, saying this could result in a loss of $8.5 trillion in annual value, if unaddressed.

    The NITDA boss noted that the programme would not only enhance employability but also drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.

    “We developed the National Digital Literacy Framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030 with a mid-term target of 70 per cent by 2027.

    “The framework promotes universal access to digital literacy, skills development at various proficiency levels, and workforce readiness for future digital demands,” he said.

    Abdullahi gave detailed on the implementation plan, including training Corps members during their service year and using them as digital literacy ambassadors across Nigeria.

    “Our target is how we can leverage your platform to deepen that digital literacy.

    “The initiative will involve onboarding Corps members on digital platforms, providing continuous learning opportunities, and selecting ambassadors to teach digital skills in their communities.

    “We need to build a tailor-made solution that will address our challenges and harness indigenous talents to promote digital solutions, and this requires the collective efforts of the government, private sectors, and all stakeholders,” he added.

  • Governor Otti frowns over dilapidated NYSC camp structures in Abia

    Governor Otti frowns over dilapidated NYSC camp structures in Abia

    Abia state governor Alex Otti has instructed the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, to visit the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp in Umunnato, Bende local government area, to assess the extent of its deterioration and plan for its repair.

    Governor Otti issued this directive while hosting the state coordinator of the NYSC in Abia, Gladys Adama, and her team, which included corps members.

    He expressed shock at the poor condition of the camp, as detailed by Mrs. Adama in her address.

    He promptly issued a directive to the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, who unfortunately was unavoidably absent at the meeting, to work with the NYSC state coordinator to immediately attend to the issues enumerated in order to restore the camp into a decent and secure environment.

    Governor Otti restated that it is in the character of his government to ensure that the welfare of the people come first, adding that anyone who lives and serves in the State is considered an Abian.

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    “I have taken note of all the points you raised, including the well-being of the five thousand youth corps members, office accommodation, the challenge of fencing the camp, ambulance, the Coordinator’s residence, and, of course, payment of allowance by the state. We are are going to look at them.”

    Governor Otti, who said that there was nothing like payment of allowance by the state during his days as a corps member.

    Earlier in her speech, Mrs. Adama, who reported that there are over five thousand corps members deployed to the state and working in various sectors, regretted that the facilities in the NYSC camp were left to deteriorate by previous administrations without maintenance.

    According to her, the coordinator’s residence and other structures in the camp are all in bad shape with the walls cracked and the roofs leaking.

    She said a large portion of the camp’s perimeter fence had fallen off, while the football pitch is also in bad condition.

    She appealed to the state government to consider paying corps members deployed to the state monthly allowances to serve as morale booster.

  • EngineeringXpress, NYSC collaborate to train Corps members

    EngineeringXpress, NYSC collaborate to train Corps members

    EngineeringXpress and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have joined forces to equip NYSC Corp members across Nigeria with the skills necessary for safe, innovative, entrepreneurial, and sustainable development in Nigeria. 

    This collaboration, which commenced on April 29, 2024, at NYSC Orientation Camps across the six geopolitical zones, aims to empower young Nigerians with the expertise required to drive progress and growth in the country.

    Through this partnership, EngineeringXpress, a leading provider of innovative engineering solutions, will deliver training programmes focused on cutting-edge skills in engineering, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. 

    The initiative has reached thousands of NYSC Corp members, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their future endeavours and positioning for a successful career through capacity building.

    Read Also: Panel to reform NYSC in line with future demands

    The training programme, available at NYSC Orientation Camps and on EngineeringXpress.org, covers a range of topics, including: sustainable development and environmental management; Innovative problem-solving and design thinking; entrepreneurship and business development; safe engineering practices and risk management; Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology skills (i.e. AR, VR, IoT, Robotics, Data     Management) and other critical skills.

    This collaboration aligns with the NYSC’s mission to promote national unity and development, and EngineeringXpress’s commitment to driving safe innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in Nigeria. 

    The NYSC said: “We are thrilled to partner with EngineeringXpress on this exciting initiative. Our Corp members will greatly benefit from the expertise and knowledge shared, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on Nigeria’s development.”

    Speaking on the partnership, engineeringXpress coordinator, Dr Uzor Onyia said:  “We are proud to collaborate with the NYSC on this ground-breaking program. Our goal is to equip young Nigerians with the skills necessary to drive safe, innovative, entrepreneurial, and sustainable development in Nigeria. We believe this partnership will have a lasting impact on the country’s future.”

    He asked interested Corps members to access the training programmes via www.engineeringxpress.org or contact their local NYSC Orientation Camps. 

    EngineeringXpress is a coalition between the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), and University of Nigeria (UNN) Faculty of Engineering, sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering, Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Onyia Construction to understand and close the gaps between engineering education and industry practice in Nigeria; Recommend impactful curriculum guidelines and industry-academia collaboration framework for developing engineering skills as well as effectively identify, track, verify, and develop engineering skills for safe and innovative education and practices.

  • Panel to reform NYSC in line with future demands

    Panel to reform NYSC in line with future demands

    • 5,000 Corps members to benefit from N10m funds 

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is to be restructured to meet the demands of the future, Youth Development Minister Jamila Bio-Ibrahim has said.

    The minister said a team to undertake the review, restructuring and reforms of the NYSC would be inaugurated soon.

    Bio-Ibrahim announced this yesterday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the maiden meeting of NYSC management with heads of corps producing institutions in Nigeria.

    The minister also announced that over 5,000 corps members would have their entrepreneurial ventures funded with about N10 million.

    She said: “Permit me to inform us very briefly on what is to come regarding the NYSC reforms. I’m pleased to announce that I will be inaugurating a team to undertake the review, restructuring and reforms of the NYSC. The first of these reforms will be centred on reviewing participants with an entrepreneurship mindset and making skills development a core of the programme.

    “The NYSC already does that, but the objective is to work with them to strengthen that mandate they already have to be more efficient, effective and benefitting.

    “So, we envision a future where the NYSC programmes are not only self-sustained but also revenue-generating within the next five years. To achieve this, we will institutionalise the NYSC ventures as an investment and asset management outfit.

    Read Also: Tinubu swears in two more NPC commissioners

    “Furthermore, as part of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund programme for 2024, I’m also pleased to announce that at least 5,000 corps members will have their entrepreneurial ventures funded with up to N10 million passing out.”

    The Director General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Yushau Dogara Ahmed, said the meeting was aimed at enhancing the mobilisation of prospective corps members.

    Ahmed said the meeting, which was a follow-up to a previous one with heads of corps producing institutions in West Africa, aimed to evolve strategies for eliminating identified flaws and ensuring a more seamless mobilisation process.

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike lauded the decision of the NYSC to bring critical stakeholders together for brainstorming on the best strategies to adopt to achieve greater success.

    The minister said the initiative aligned with the contemporary global best practices for achieving desired results.

    Wike, who was represented by the Mandate Secretary of Women Affairs Secretariat at the FCT Administration, Mrs. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said: “The NYSC has consistently symbolised our collective commitment to national development, unity and integration.”

  • Fed Govt to reform, restructure NYSC scheme, says minister

    Fed Govt to reform, restructure NYSC scheme, says minister

    The minister of youth development, Jamila Bio-Ibrahim has said that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) would be restructured to meet the demands of the future.

    The minister said a team to undertake the review, restructuring, and reforms of the NYSC would be inaugurated soon.

    She stated this at the opening ceremony of the maiden meeting of NYSC management with heads of corps-producing institutions in Nigeria, in Abuja on Monday.

    The minister also announced that over 5,000 corps members will have their entrepreneurial ventures funded with close to N10 million.

    She said: “Permit me to inform us very briefly that on what is to come regarding NYSC reforms. I’m pleased to announce that I will be inaugurating a team to undertake the review, restructuring, and reforms of the NYSC. The first of these reforms will be centred on reviewing participants with an entrepreneurship mindset and making skills development a core of the programme.

    “The NYSC already does that but the objective is to work with them to strengthen what that mandate that they already have more efficient, effective, and beneficiary.

    “So we envision a future where the NYSC programmes are not only self-sustained but also a revenue-generating programme within the next five years and to achieve this, we will institutionalise the NYSC ventures as an investment and asset management outfit.

    “Furthermore, as part of the Nigeria youth investment fund programme for 2024, I’m also pleased to announce that at least 5,000 corps members will have their entrepreneurial ventures funded with upto N10 million passing out.”

    Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau’ Ahmed, while welcoming the heads of corps-producing institutions, said the meeting aimed at enhancing the mobilisation process of prospective corps members.

    Ahmed said the meeting, which is a follow-up to a previous one with heads of corps-producing institutions in West African countries, aims to evolve strategies for eliminating identified flaws and ensuring a more seamless mobilisation process.

    “We have identified some obstacles, including the delegation of roles to subordinates, and we believe that the direct involvement of chief executives of institutions will promote a deeper appreciation of issues and ensure desired results,” Ahmed added.

    He also reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to the security and general welfare of corps members, appealing to corps-producing institutions, parents, and the general public to complement efforts in sensitising young graduates on call-up for national service.

    The DG said: “We urge you to use all available avenues to complement our efforts in sensitizing young graduates on call-up for national service to avoid traveling at night when reporting to their states of deployment.”

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nyesom Wike commended the decision of the NYSC to bring critical stakeholders together to brainstorm on the best strategies for greater success, which aligns perfectly with the contemporary global best practices for achieving desired results.

    He praised the NYSC’s efforts to enhance its operations through technology-driven approaches and urged the participants to actively contribute to the meeting’s success.

    Wike, who was represented by the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi said: “The NYSC has consistently symbolised our collective commitment to national development, unity, and integration. However, like any other human endeavour, we are aware that the Scheme faces challenges, including those posed by the mobilisation process. In this regard, the need for the adoption of innovative strategies to surmount challenges and enhance best practices for the engagement of our young graduates in national development efforts cannot be overemphasized.

    Read Also: NYSC to Corps members: respect host communities’ traditions

    “It is gratifying to note that the Scheme is focused on enhancing the efficiency of its operation, especially through the adoption of technology-driven approaches in data collation and processing for mobilisation and deployment purposes. I encourage you to continue to optimise the IT solutions for accuracy and greater efficiency.

    “I am aware that this meeting is maiden and a crucial step in addressing critical issues about the effective implementation of operational policies of the NYSC Scheme. I commend the decision of the NYSC to periodically bring critical stakeholders together to brainstorm on the best strategies for greater success, which aligns perfectly with the contemporary global best practices for achieving desired results. I therefore urge you all to participate actively and offer insightful contributions as you navigate the path ahead. At the end of the day, I am confident that this all-important engagement will be paving way for a more responsive, efficient, and impactful National Youth Service Corps.

    “I consider it appropriate to use this forum to express appreciation for the enormous contributions of Corps Members deployed to serve in the Territory, especially in key sectors such as health and education. On our part, we will continue to accord priority to the security and general welfare of the Corps members.”

  • NYSC to Corps members: respect host communities’ traditions

    NYSC to Corps members: respect host communities’ traditions

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged corps members not to disrespect the traditional practices of their host communities or meddle in local politics.

    Its Anambra State Coordinator, Mrs. Blessing Iruma, gave the advice while addressing this year’s Batch ‘A’ Stream 2 orientation course in Awka, the state capital.

    She said: “As soon as you report to your places of primary assignment, try to integrate yourselves into your host communities.

    “In the process, appreciate their cultures and traditions but do not challenge their traditional practices nor meddle in their local politics.

    Read Also: Oyo NYSC lauds firm for training over 280 Corps members

    “As a group or individuals, strive to identify their felt needs and take steps to address them thereby leaving those communities better than you met them.”

    Iruma urged the corps members to enrol in post-camp training, get certified, and articulate bankable proposals as major steps to greatness.

    She added: “Endeavour to use social media to promote unity, peace and national development as well as the improvement of self.

    “Shun any tendency to use social media negatively under any guise.

    “The country values you immensely and wants you to remain alive to contribute to the development of self and the nation.

    “Therefore, shun any unauthorised journey and night travels.

    “These ventures are risky as embarking on such movements has often resulted in accidents, deaths, kidnappings and other negative consequences.

  • NYSC members trained on indigenous language

    NYSC members trained on indigenous language

    The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has begun training for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enable them speak Nigeria’s major languages.

    The second edition of the training is ongoing for this year’s Batch A, Stream 2 members currently in camp to ensure that the indigenous languages do not go into extinction.

    NICO’s Executive Secretary/CEO Biodun Ajiboye said the training was conceptualised to address the rapid decline in the knowledge and use of indigenous languages, especially among the youths.

    Ajiboye, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Orientation and Cultural Affairs, Segun Adegbaju, said: “By acquiring proficiency in these languages (Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba), Corps members can interact more efficiently with community residents and improve on their communication skills during community development initiatives and various interactions, thus fostering harmonious coexistence.”

    Read Also: ‘Your days of worrying are over’

    The Camp Director for this year’s Batch A, Stream 2, Nwaoha Angela, hailed the initiative and urged the institute to “do a follow-up by reaching out to the Corps members at their various Community Development Service (CDS) groups so that it can be sustained”.

    A beneficiary, Alhassan Tellen, said: “I’m interested in learning Igbo, Yoruba, and Gbagi. Learning the Gbagi language would make it easy for me to communicate with the indigenous people of Abuja. I commend NICO for the initiative.”