Dr. Diop pointed out the NYSC scheme’s potential to deliver practical training to Nigeria’s annual 300,000 to 400,000 graduates, noting that the World Bank is exploring ways to support this initiative.
Washington DC – The World Bank has described Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as a “goldmine” capable of accelerating the nation’s journey towards industrialization.
Dr. Ndiame Diop, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the NYSC in fostering skills development while speaking with Arise TV at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings in Washington DC.
Dr. Diop highlighted that equipping Nigeria’s youth with relevant skills is crucial for reducing unemployment and advancing economic growth. He pointed out the NYSC program’s potential to deliver practical training to Nigeria’s annual 300,000 to 400,000 graduates, noting that the World Bank is exploring ways to support this initiative.
Education and Nutrition Challenges
During his remarks, Dr. Diop also stressed the need to address Nigeria’s significant education and nutritional issues, noting that there are between 15 and 17 million out-of-school children in the country. Improving access to quality education at the basic level, he said, is essential for preparing young Nigerians for future employment.
“The first step is to get children in school so they can achieve better learning outcomes,” Dr. Diop stated. “In addition, Nigeria faces a high rate of stunting, with over 11 million children under five experiencing impaired growth. Ensuring proper nutrition and educational readiness for these children is essential for long-term national development.”
Skills and Gender Inclusion in STEM
The World Bank’s focus on skills development includes specific support for girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Diop outlined a project aimed at training girls in digital and ICT skills, seeking to improve the low enrollment of women in STEM-related fields.
He noted that only 13% of Nigerian women enroll in engineering and 20% in polytechnic programs, significantly lower than their male counterparts. “We need to challenge stereotypes that steer girls toward certain fields and open up opportunities in technology and science,” Diop said, adding that female participation in STEM is critical for driving technological transformation.
Supporting Reforms and Managing Inflation’s Social Impact
Dr. Diop acknowledged the importance of ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, which aim to enhance sectors like power, trade, and security. However, he cautioned that these reforms come with social costs, including high inflation affecting many Nigerians.
“It’s essential to ensure the savings from reforms go toward essential services like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social protection,” he said, adding that targeted support is necessary to help those most impacted by rising costs.
Private Sector Collaboration
He further emphasized Nigeria’s unique economic potential, citing the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit and dynamic private sector. Dr. Diop called for a strong public-private partnership to foster sustainable growth, which he believes is essential for creating jobs and building a resilient economy.
“These initiatives will drive Nigeria forward, but it requires commitment to policies that nurture a productive alliance between the public and private sectors,” he concluded.
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