The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha'u Ahmed, has promised to make the service year easier and more inclusive for graduates living with disabilities.
Speaking at a recent event in Abuja, the DG stated that the NYSC is working on new ways to ensure that "corps members with special needs" are treated with fairness and given the support they need to succeed.
He explained that having a disability should not stop any Nigerian graduate from contributing to the development of the country.
One of the main goals of this new plan is to improve the facilities at NYSC orientation camps across Nigeria.
The DG noted that the scheme wants to ensure that dormitories, restrooms, and training grounds are accessible to everyone, including those who use wheelchairs or other walking aids.
"We are committed to strengthening our support systems," General Ahmed said. "Our goal is to ensure that no one feels left behind during their service year."
The NYSC also plans to be more thoughtful about where corps members with disabilities are posted for their primary assignments.
Instead of sending them to remote areas with poor roads, the scheme will try to place them in locations that are easy to reach and have the necessary facilities.
Furthermore, the DG highlighted that the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program will be adapted to help these graduates start their own businesses after their service year.
By providing specialised training, the NYSC hopes to empower them to become employers of labour, proving that there is indeed "ability in disability."
