The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in partnership with Wema Bank, has commenced the construction of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Kaduna State.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place on Tuesday in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Director-General (D-G) of NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, stated that the centre is designed to enhance the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme.
According to him, it will also provide corps members with opportunities to acquire ICT skills and knowledge.
Ahmed further explained that the ICT training hub would complement NYSC’s existing infrastructure, improving the overall quality of the SAED Programme and equipping corps members with relevant digital skills.
He disclosed that the partnership with Wema Bank aims to establish similar centres in all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria to promote inclusive development and economic growth.
NYSC Partners Wemabank To Enhance Corps Members’ Digital Prowesshttps://t.co/AgF84hI2Xn pic.twitter.com/pbfa4rL1vc
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“The centres will be situated in rural areas, providing opportunities for local communities to access ICT training and resources, bridging the urban-rural divide and promoting socio-economic development.
“The choice of rural areas is deliberate, as these regions have been largely neglected and lack access to opportunities, hindering their potential for growth and development.
“By establishing these centres, NYSC and Wema Bank aim to improve knowledge, encourage community participation, and enhance education in these areas, promoting a culture of inclusivity and empowerment,” Ahmed said.
He emphasised that the focus on rural areas aligns with NYSC’s goal of reducing the urban-rural divide, ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources.
“Both the corps members and the members of the community, including the school where the centre is located, will benefit immensely from it,” he added.
Wema Bank’s Commitment to Digital Skills Development
The Executive Director of Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, stated that the partnership aims to foster innovation and empower youth by providing training in ICT, digital literacy, and social skills.
He noted that many corps members are often uncertain about their career paths upon entering NYSC, and the ICT centres would provide a platform for self-improvement and skill development.
“By the time they complete their service, they will be equipped to succeed in the market or as entrepreneurs,” he said.
Mabawonku also highlighted the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria, stressing the need to provide resources for coding and AI education.
“AI learning is now more accessible, with human-created tools that enable individuals to learn and adapt its concepts without requiring extensive computer expertise,” he explained.
He added that the ICT centre would feature state-of-the-art technology, allowing young people to develop AI skills and enhance their career prospects.
Mabawonku further revealed that Wema Bank deliberately chose a rural location rather than a major city, to promote development in underserved areas.
He explained that Kagarko was selected due to its proximity to Abuja and Kaduna, making it easily accessible to young people in surrounding communities.
Community Commitment to ICT Development
Speaking on behalf of the people of Kagarko Local Government Area, the Chairman, Muhiddeen Umar, stressed the importance of maintaining the newly constructed ICT centre.
He assured that the local government and the community would collaborate to establish a community-based security system to protect the facility.
Umar expressed confidence that the partnership with Wema Bank would enhance ICT knowledge within the local community.
“In today’s digital age, progress is largely dependent on having a good understanding of ICT,” he noted.
The ICT centre has a capacity of 80–90 people at a time and includes other facilities such as a management office.
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