In a country where NYSC khaki has barely dried from sun and sweat after one year of national service, a new storm is brewing. The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has reportedly proposed extending the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program to two years.
Yes you read that right. Two full years. One for skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training, and the other for national service.
The proposal: skills first, service later
According to reports, the new structure would dedicate the first year to skills and entrepreneurship development, followed by the second year of regular NYSC postings and service to the nation.
Supporters say it could help bridge the unemployment gap, providing youth with tools to become self-reliant or be absorbed into security agencies like the police or army.
Social media meltdown
Nigerians, especially on X did not take this quietly. The proposal was met with loud rejections and hilarious hot takes. Many feel it’s unfair to extend the service year just because of the recent increase in allawee to ₦77,000.
“So because of small pepper inside jollof, you now want to cook another pot?” — one user complained.
From military ideas to sarcastic suggestions
One user suggested turning NYSC into military training so corps members can “at least learn how to survive both Nigeria and Boko Haram.”
Others proposed converting it into full employment after service, saying: “If we’re doing 2 years, I better get a police badge at the end.”
Surprisingly, some saw potential. The skills year could genuinely help many youths who graduate with no practical knowledge. If well-funded and executed, it might even improve the job market.
But the general warning is clear: without better infrastructure, planning, and real empowerment, the idea might end up as just another “white elephant project.”
The real priorities: education reform, not extension
Several critics pointed out that the government should focus on fixing the core issues in Nigeria’s education system from primary to tertiary level before playing around with NYSC years.
Better curriculum, improved teacher quality, and infrastructure should be the focus, not dragging NYSC like a Nollywood sequel no one asked for.
Conclusion: two years or too much?
For now, this two year NYSC plan is just a proposal. But Nigerians have made their thoughts clear: “Fix what we have before you extend it.” As always, X Wahala will be watching and waiting to cover all dramas.
