.jpg)
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on employers across Nigeria to create enabling environments that allow Corps Members to fully utilize their skills and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Nafiu made the appeal during the launch of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Innovation Space initiative, tagged “idea2impact,” held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, on Thursday, he described Corps Members as “solution providers” who require mentorship, guidance, and effective leadership to unlock their full potential. According to him, ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and private sector organizations should tap into the wealth of experience and skills possessed by young graduates participating in the NYSC scheme.
“The youths we have at the NYSC are solution providers. I challenge MDAs and private establishments to harness their capabilities to develop solutions for the larger society,” he said.
The NYSC DG commended NITDA for providing a platform for Corps Members to showcase their creativity and innovation, describing the idea2impact initiative as a viable avenue for young Nigerians to demonstrate their ingenuity.
.jpg)
He also reaffirmed the continued relevance of the NYSC scheme, noting that recent reforms, including the digitization of Corps Members’ identity cards and other technological advancements, have strengthened its operations.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reiterated the agency’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians to adapt to the evolving demands of the digital economy.
He emphasized the importance of skill acquisition and strategic career planning, urging Corps Members to position themselves effectively before entering the labour market.
Drawing from his personal experience as a former Corps Member, Abdullahi encouraged participants to make the most of their service year by building visibility around their skills and competencies.
“You need to promote yourself. Hard work alone may not get you to where you want to be. You must be assertive in pursuing your goals,” he said.
He further disclosed that several Corps Members who served at NITDA have made significant contributions to the agency, including developing internal solutions and supporting its artificial intelligence transformation efforts.
Abdullahi added that high-performing Corps Members could be retained by the agency, describing NITDA as a platform for young talents to grow and access greater opportunities.