The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has once again reiterated its call for Nigerian graduates undergoing the mandatory one-year national service to shift their attention away from overdependence on white-collar jobs and instead embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to personal growth and national development.
This charge was delivered during an address to corps members at one of the orientation camps across the country, where NYSC officials encouraged the youths to adopt a mindset of self-reliance and innovation. The organisation stressed that in today’s competitive economic climate, waiting idly for formal employment is no longer sustainable, particularly given the realities of limited vacancies in both public and private sectors.
According to the NYSC, the Scheme’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme remains a crucial platform designed to equip corps members with practical skills and business knowledge that can be translated into viable enterprises. Officials noted that the initiative, which has trained thousands of corps members since its introduction, is aligned with broader national efforts to tackle unemployment and boost indigenous enterprise.
The Scheme urged the youth not to perceive service year as a mere formality, but as a unique opportunity to build capacity, identify talent areas, and begin the journey of wealth creation. With a wide range of skill sets offered under SAED—including agriculture, ICT, fashion, and crafts—corps members were advised to leverage the support and resources available during service year to establish sustainable ventures that can not only provide livelihoods but also contribute to job creation for others.
KIIN360 economic observers note that the NYSC’s advice is reflective of a growing national consensus that the future of Nigeria’s economy lies in its ability to foster innovation, support small businesses, and empower the youth to become active contributors to wealth generation rather than passive job seekers. As global job markets evolve, the Nigerian youth have been called upon to think beyond traditional employment models and explore creative avenues for economic empowerment.
With rising inflation and a dynamic labour market, the NYSC’s message carries weight for the thousands of corps members currently serving and those preparing for mobilisation. The onus, they say, is on the youth to take bold steps in shaping their financial futures with the tools and support at their disposal.
