Former Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Imo State, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, has praised the Federal Government’s decision to replace the Junior and Senior Secondary School structure with a seamless 12-year basic education system.
A statement signed by him in Abuja, describs the policy as a timely and strategic move to reduce school dropout rates and improve access to quality education.
According to the statement, Nwosu also commends the Federal Government for approving far-reaching reforms in the education sector and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the initiatives is bold, timely and capable of transforming Nigeria’s human capital development.
According to him, the reform demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthening the nation’s education system by removing barriers that have prevented millions of Nigerian children from completing their secondary education.
It notes that uninterrupted access to education will significantly improve learning outcomes, expand opportunities for young Nigerians and enhance the country’s human capital, particularly for children from rural communities and economically disadvantaged families who often struggle during the transition from junior to senior secondary school.
According to the statement, the former Chief of Staff also applauds the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, for what he described as visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s education sector through reforms focused on improving access, quality and continuity in learning.
The statement urges state governments, education stakeholders, development partners and parents to support the effective implementation of the new policy, stressing that education remains the bedrock of national development, economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
According to statement, Nwosu equally welcomed the Federal Government’s approval of a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying the reform would reposition the scheme as a skills-driven, productivity-focused and youth-empowering institution capable of equipping graduates with practical skills, promoting entrepreneurship and contributing to President Tinubu’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
While commending the reforms, Nwosu advises the Federal Government to retain the military orientation component of the NYSC, describing it as a vital aspect of the scheme that instils discipline, patriotism, resilience and national unity among corps members.
It also cautions against any attempt to politicise the NYSC, urging the government to protect the integrity of the scheme from political interference and preserve its founding objective of promoting national integration, character development and selfless service among Nigerian youths.
According to statement, Nwosu expresses optimism that with effective implementation, the education and NYSC reforms would significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children, empower graduates with relevant skills, strengthen national cohesion and position Nigeria to compete more effectively in the global knowledge-driven economy.
