Why FG is Considering an Extra Year of Study for University Graduates Before NYSC
The Nigerian federal government through the Minister of state for Education, Anthony Anwukah, has revealed plans to establish a new policy that will see undergraduates go for an extra year of studies before embarking on the mandatory one year NYSC exercise.
The Minister disclosed this on Tuesday at a two-day retreat for governing councils of federal universities in Abuja.
He said this was being considered because many university graduates were not good enough to be employed by industries, ThisDay news reports.
He further said the proposal was similar to the extra year currently being undertaken by law and medical students. Anwukah added that the university system has let Nigeria down in the country’s quest for industrial development.
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He said the universities have failed to produce graduates that meet the needs of the industries.
“The universities are producing products that are not matching the needs of the industries. I urged the Committee of Pro-chancellors and Committee of Vice-Chancellor to end the decline in the standard of education.
Law students attend Law School for one year before going for NYSC and medical students go for one year Housemanship before they are allowed to practice fully, so it will be necessary for other courses to also go through this process.
The Lagos Business School can also serve as a one-year after-school training,” he said.
He lamented that the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) system has failed in the universities.
The Minister then challenged participants at the retreat to bridge the gap between Nigerian universities and the industry.
What someone didn’t get in 4 years, how will he or she get it in a year? The educational system of Nigeria is already ruined an extra year won’t revive it.