NITDA has launched a new initiative aimed at helping NYSC members become digital solution providers. The programme focuses on equipping corps members with practical tech skills, innovation training, and business ideas.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken fresh steps to prepare National Youth Service Corps members for opportunities in the digital economy.
The move was highlighted during the launch of the NITDA Innovation Space at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The event brought together government officials, technology stakeholders, and corps members to showcase new ideas and digital solutions.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa said the initiative is a response to changing global work trends and the growing number of young Nigerians entering the labour market each year.
According to him, between 3.5 million and 4 million young people join the workforce annually, making it difficult for traditional employment opportunities to absorb everyone. He said young Nigerians must now focus on building valuable skills and clear career paths.
Inuwa explained that the programme is designed to ensure corps members complete their service year with practical knowledge or startup ideas that can generate income.
He also urged participants to build visibility in the digital space, adding that people with useful skills and innovative ideas are more likely to create opportunities for themselves rather than rely only on job applications.
NYSC Director-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu described the initiative as an important development for youth empowerment.
He said corps members are not only deployed for service but should also be positioned to create impact and develop themselves during the service year.
Nafiu added that the NYSC has also started digitising some of its internal systems, including the rollout of digital ID cards for corps members.
At the event, corps members presented solutions they had built through the programme. One team introduced a Smart ID system designed to reduce identity management issues within organisations by combining a mobile app, web dashboard, and secure identification card.
Another participant, Lukman Abdullahi, said the training gave corps members the chance to study real-world problems and create solutions that can be applied practically.
NITDA has previously worked with corps members through mentorship and training schemes, but this latest move signals a stronger push to transform the NYSC year into a period of innovation, digital learning, and entrepreneurship.
With unemployment still a major challenge, initiatives like this could help more young Nigerians turn their service year into a launchpad for careers and businesses in tech.
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