By Adeola Kunle
Olawande says practical skills, leadership, integrity and entrepreneurship are critical to tackling unemployment
DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing technology and continuous learning as essential to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Scheme.
Olawande made the declaration in Abuja while inaugurating the NYSC Staff E-Training Portal at the 2026 Batch 'C' Pre-Orientation Workshop.
The Minister commended the NYSC leadership for introducing innovations aimed at strengthening workplace efficiency and professional development among its personnel.
He expressed satisfaction with the technology-driven transformation of the Scheme in recent times, noting that improved professionalism and wider access to knowledge for NYSC staff were positive developments.
According to him, the newly launched platform would contribute to developing a more competent, knowledgeable and responsive workforce.
"This platform would also help to build more efficient, knowledgeable and responsive workforce. We are committed towards making the Scheme get better, let us work together and embrace technology," Olawande said.
The Minister also noted that the changing global economic environment had made academic qualifications alone insufficient to address the challenge of unemployment.
He stressed the need for Corps Members to acquire practical competencies in leadership, entrepreneurship, critical thinking and problem-solving.
"They must also understand the importance of discipline, integrity, and personal responsibility. Every Corps Member must be encouraged to make meaningful impact," Olawande stated.
He reiterated that the mandatory service year should provide young graduates with opportunities not only to serve the country but also to develop leadership capacity and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Olawande further identified the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme as the most important component of the NYSC Scheme at present, underscoring the need to strengthen skills development among Corps Members.
Also speaking at the workshop, the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said changing societal realities had made it necessary for the Scheme to continually review its Orientation Course to ensure that it remains relevant.
Nafiu explained that the theme of the workshop, "Reimagining the NYSC Orientation Course: Building Resilient, Responsible and Service-Oriented Corps Members for a Changing World," was designed to influence the character, mindset, skills and civic consciousness of Corps Members.
He said the effectiveness of the Orientation Course depended substantially on meaningful cooperation among all stakeholders.
"I encourage everyone to keep building the partnership and trust needed for the security and welfare of Corps Members wherever they are posted across the country," he said.
The NYSC DG assured that the management of the Scheme remained committed to collaborating with security agencies to assess risks, take preventive measures and safeguard Corps Members throughout their service year.
Earlier, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Nura Umar, commended Comrade Olawande for his demonstrated commitment to youth development.
Umar described the Orientation Camp as the first major point of contact for every Corps Member at the beginning of the service year, stressing the importance of using the exercise to instil appropriate character, values and a strong understanding of national responsibility.
He called for a comprehensive review and modernisation of the Orientation Course.
According to him, there is a need to:
"rebuild and modernise the contents, methodology and delivery of the Orientation Exercise to ensure that it remains focused and align with contemporary realities."
Umar urged participants at the workshop to develop practical strategies for strengthening relationships among stakeholders, particularly in the areas of Corps Members' welfare and safety, effective camp administration, discipline, leadership development and improved implementation of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
The workshop is expected to contribute to the development of a more relevant and responsive NYSC Orientation Course capable of preparing Corps Members for the demands of a rapidly changing society.
Adeola Kunle
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