NYSC DG Urges Corps Members to Embrace Skills Acquisition for Self-Reliance

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on corps members to prioritise skills acquisition as a critical step towards self-reliance and job creation. Addressing corps members during his recent visits to orientation camps across the country, Nafiu emphasised that Nigeria’s growing youth population requires practical solutions to unemployment, and skills development remains one of the most viable options. He urged corps members to fully embrace the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which provides training in various vocational and digital fields. According to him, depending solely on government or corporate employment opportunities is no longer realistic, making it imperative for young graduates to harness entrepreneurial skills. “The NYSC uniform is temporary, but the skills you gain will remain with you for life. Take advantage of this opportunity to become not just job seekers, but job creators,” the DG said. He explained that the scheme has strengthened partnerships with banks, corporate organisations and development agencies to ensure corps members can access start-up capital, mentorship and market opportunities after training. Memoranda of Understanding have been signed with financial institutions and business incubators to support graduates of the SAED programme in turning their skills into viable enterprises. In recent years, thousands of corps members have been trained in areas such as ICT, agriculture, fashion design, and manufacturing. Nafiu highlighted success stories of ex-corps members who now run thriving businesses, stressing that their journeys should serve as encouragement to others. The DG also used the platform to remind corps members of their responsibilities as representatives of national unity. He urged them to respect the cultures of their host communities, adhere to camp rules, avoid political partisanship and maintain discipline throughout their service year. NYSC officials confirmed that efforts are underway to enhance post-training follow-up, ensuring that corps members who participate in the SAED programme receive the necessary support to build sustainable businesses. Plans are in place to expand apprenticeship opportunities, certification pathways and stronger linkages with markets for corps members’ products and services. Observers and youth development experts have welcomed the renewed emphasis on skills acquisition but cautioned that meaningful impact will depend on consistent access to affordable funding, mentorship, and structured monitoring of trainees. They stressed that with the right support, the NYSC can play a major role in reducing youth unemployment and fostering innovation in the country. For the DG, the message to corps members remains clear: while the service year may be temporary, the skills and values gained during the period could serve as a lifelong foundation for success.