The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have launched a programme aimed at equipping and positioning corps members to adopt emerging technologies and foster job creation and empowerment.
At the heart of this initiative is the integration of a two-week Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, designed to equip corps members with essential skills.
The Director General Of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who was represented by the Head of Collaboration and Funding, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Mr. Yusuf Abubakah, emphasized NITDA’s commitment by revealing a range of programmes aimed at empowering corps members, enhancing their capabilities, and aligning them with global technological benchmarks.
“We’re striving to prepare our corps members not just for today’s challenges but also for the opportunities that tomorrow’s technologies will bring.
“Emerging technologies function as catalysts, and they are the future.
“After the training, we intend to establish a Community Development Service (CDS) called ‘Emerging Technologies’ for all and afterwards incorporate participants into the NITDA developer AI training to further enhance post-service employability,” Abubakar added.
The Unit Head of Corporate and Advocacy at NCAIR, Mrs. Daniel Blessing, emphasized that through the training, corps members can attain practical skills tailored to their roles, improve problem-solving skills within their corporate settings, cultivate improved communication and teamwork among peers, and gain insight into industry best practices and current trends.
“The fusion of SAED with the infusion of emerging tech within the CDS group aims to provide a holistic learning journey for corps members.
“This approach ensures that participants are not only equipped with immediate skills but are also prepared to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology-driven industries,” she noted.
She further highlighted the processes involved in the training and post-training and urged participants to contact NCAIR through their social media handle, NCAIR Nigeria, for more information and registration.
She also elaborated on the training procedures, both during and after, emphasizing the steps involved and encouraged participants to seek additional details and connect with NCAIR via their social media handle, NCAIR Nigeria, to access more comprehensive information about the training and the registration process.
Also speaking, the NYSC Coordinator in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs Winifred Shokpeka, said the objective of the programme is to assist corps members to cultivate the culture of entrepreneurship and income generation practices to build capacity and generate wealth.
“You will also learn some of the foundation skills you need in business, such as personal qualities like taking responsibility, leadership, ethics and management skills.
“I am confident that with the attainment of these qualities through constructive engagements, you will sooner than later be a CEO and a wealth creator,” Mrs Shokpeka added.
A Brief History of the NYSC Scheme
The NYSC scheme was created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil War.
The purpose of the scheme is primarily to inculcate in Nigerian youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasize the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.
Nigerian youths upon graduation from a tertiary institution are enrolled in this compulsory one-year scheme.
