The Ministry of Youth Development is set to introduce a new training program akin to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for graduates of the Nigeria Certificate of Education (NCE). This initiative, aimed at broadening the scope of youth engagement and development, was announced by Mr. Olawande Wisdom, Minister of State for Youth Development, during the inauguration of the BEMORE OYO 2024 Summer Bootcamp in Ibadan on Monday.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Wisdom highlighted the Ministry’s plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to roll out a series of new training reforms. One of the key reforms under consideration is the introduction of an NYSC-style training program specifically tailored for NCE graduates and other categories of graduates who have not previously been included in such schemes.
“Citizenship and training are top priorities for the Ministry, and we’re committed to reviving and expanding these programs,” Mr. Wisdom stated. “While we currently have the NYSC for university graduates, there is a gap when it comes to NCE holders and those who have completed other educational programs. Our goal is to establish a training framework that allows these graduates to receive similar training without needing to travel out of their states, ensuring they have access to camps and resources right at home.”
Mr. Wisdom emphasized the importance of such training in addressing social vices and fostering national unity. He referenced the positive impact that organizations like the Boys’ Brigade and Girl Guides have had in the past, suggesting that similar outcomes could be achieved through the proposed training program.
In addition to discussing the new training initiative, Mr. Wisdom took the opportunity to commend Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, for her significant contributions to the empowerment and development of girls across Nigeria. He underscored the need for continued investment in organizations like BEMORE, which are dedicated to improving the lives and futures of Nigerian women and girls.
“Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s work through the BEMORE initiative is nothing short of remarkable. Her efforts to nurture the next generation of female leaders in STEM fields are crucial for the progress of our nation,” Mr. Wisdom noted. “It is imperative that we provide more funding and support for programs like BEMORE to ensure that our women and girls, who make up half of the population, do not lag behind in the pursuit of excellence.”
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the former governor of Ondo State, also addressed the participants at the bootcamp. She explained that the BEMORE initiative is a personal mission inspired by her own childhood experiences. The program is designed to foster the growth of future female leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), ensuring that women and girls have the tools they need to succeed in these critical fields.
The event also featured a speech by Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Odu’a Investments, who urged participants to take full advantage of the training opportunities presented to them. He praised the organizers and mentors for their dedication to investing in the future of girls through technology-driven programs that emphasize sustainability.
In addition to the speeches and training sessions, the event included a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training session conducted by the Red Cross Society. The bootcamp also marked the launch of a new book titled “The History of BEMORE: A Historical Voyage by Esther Michael,” which chronicles the journey and impact of the BEMORE initiative.
