The Federal Government has denied reports claiming that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme will be extended to two years.
The clarification came after social media posts and online articles began spreading the rumour, causing concern among current and future corps members.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, addressed the issue while speaking at Lagos State University.
He explained that his comments were misunderstood and wrongly reported.
He did not call for a two-year NYSC programme.
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According to Alausa, he only proposed a new initiative that would allow graduates from National Colleges of Education to join a voluntary teaching programme under the NYSC.
This programme would last for two years and focus on sending teachers to rural areas where there is a shortage of qualified personnel, especially in subjects like mathematics, science, and English.
He pointed out that while many graduates are trained in education, there are not enough jobs for them.
The proposed initiative is meant to solve this problem by creating opportunities for these graduates while improving the education system in underserved communities.
The minister also said the government is currently reviewing the number of teachers working under Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in unity schools.
Those who are qualified may be absorbed into the federal civil service as part of efforts to strengthen the teaching workforce.
In summary, the NYSC scheme will remain as it is.
The two-year plan mentioned in public discussions refers only to a possible new programme for teachers, not the general youth service scheme.
