The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving youth economic transformation across Africa through enhanced entrepreneurship, digital innovation and skills development.
Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, stated this during an interactive session between the Scheme’s top management and stakeholders at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
The DG said the NYSC had remained at the forefront of empowering young Nigerian graduates through its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme since its introduction in 2012.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms aimed at equipping young people with skills for self-reliance and national development.
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Brigadier General Nafiu explained that the Scheme was expanding the scope of SAED to keep pace with global trends in entrepreneurship, innovation and digital inclusion.
“The proposed Federal Government reforms align perfectly with the Scheme’s ongoing strategy for SAED, making it not only a skills centre but also a springboard for entrepreneurship, innovation and digital inclusion,” he stated.
The Director-General said the theme of the meeting, “Transforming SAED: Building a Data-Driven Operating Model for Standardised Delivery, Accountability and Measurable Impact,” underscored the NYSC’s determination to reposition the programme to meet the demands of the modern global economy.
While appreciating stakeholders for their sustained support, he called for stronger collaboration in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, digital platforms, remote work, green technology and the creative economy, noting that these sectors are redefining the future of work.
Brigadier General Nafiu said Nigeria’s youthful population could become a major economic asset if equipped with relevant digital, entrepreneurial and technical skills, adding that the Scheme’s vision is to transform SAED from a training programme into a national platform for youth economic transformation.
According to him, the SAED curriculum must remain future-focused by prioritising digital technology, financial technology, agribusiness, renewable energy, manufacturing and other high-growth sectors. He also urged stakeholders to strengthen enterprise support through mentorship, access to finance, incubation programmes and market opportunities.
The NYSC DG further called for evidence-based evaluations of the programme’s impact, stressing the need for credible data on businesses established, jobs created, incomes generated and lives transformed. He also appealed for stronger partnerships with industries, financial institutions, technology companies, development agencies and educational institutions to sustain the programme’s relevance.
Earlier, the Acting Director of SAED, Mrs. Winifred Shokpeka said the meeting was convened to review the programme’s achievements and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders. She disclosed that between 2017 and 2023, Corps entrepreneurs received loans and grants totalling over ₦283 billion through the SAED programme.
Shokpeka commended partners, including the Bank of Industry, Access Bank, Central Bank of Nigeria, Unity Bank, Wema Bank, BAT Nigeria Foundation, Fidelity Bank, NNPC Foundation and other public and private organisations for supporting youth entrepreneurship. She stressed the need for a standardised, data-driven operating model to improve accountability, transparency and measurable outcomes across the programme.
