The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged Corps Members to embrace entrepreneurship and vocational skills as a pathway to financial independence and self-reliance.
Nafiu gave the charge during an interactive session with the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Corps Members deployed to Niger State, who are currently undergoing their orientation course at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja. The camp is temporarily hosting the corps members due to the ongoing renovation of the Niger State NYSC Orientation Camp.
Addressing the corps members, the NYSC Director-General encouraged them to take full advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing entrepreneurship as a critical tool for succeeding in today’s challenging economic environment.
He advised the corps members not to depend solely on their monthly allowance or the expectation of securing white-collar jobs after completing the national service. Instead, he urged them to acquire practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills capable of providing sustainable sources of income.
“The service year offers a unique opportunity to learn marketable skills that can help you become financially independent and create employment opportunities for others,” Nafiu said.
He further encouraged the corps members to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, develop multiple streams of income, and position themselves as employers of labour who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Nafiu urged the corps members to build lasting friendships and professional relationships during the orientation course, noting that many networks formed during national service often evolve into valuable business partnerships and leadership opportunities.
He also stressed the importance of discipline, integrity and responsibility throughout the service year, advising the corps members to make the most of opportunities for personal development and continuous learning.
The Director-General urged them to channel any complaints or grievances through established NYSC administrative procedures rather than unofficial platforms, assuring them that genuine concerns would receive prompt attention.
He reminded the corps members to uphold the core values of the NYSC by demonstrating commitment, honesty and professionalism at their various places of primary assignment.
Earlier, the Niger State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim, informed the Director-General that a total of 783 corps members had been successfully registered for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course. The figure comprises 296 male and 487 female corps members.
According to her, the orientation exercise has progressed smoothly through the collaborative efforts of the NYSC, the Federal Capital Territory Secretariat and camp officials.
She commended the corps members for their discipline, enthusiasm and active participation in camp activities, describing their conduct as exemplary.
The NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme was introduced to equip corps members with vocational and entrepreneurial skills aimed at reducing unemployment, promoting self-employment and enhancing economic productivity among Nigerian youths.
