BY CHUKWUDI RUTH
Nigeria’s foremost youth development scheme, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has intensified efforts to promote entrepreneurship among young graduates as part of a broader strategy to tackle unemployment and stimulate economic growth across the country.
Massive Expansion of Youth Entrepreneurship Training
In a recent briefing, the Director-General of NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed that the scheme has significantly expanded its entrepreneurship drive through its flagship Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
According to him, over 1.39 million Nigerian graduates have been trained in vocational and entrepreneurial skills between 2019 and 2025, marking one of the largest coordinated youth empowerment initiatives in Africa.
The SAED programme, introduced in 2012, is designed to equip corps members with practical skills to become self-employed and even employers of labour.
Shift from Job Seekers to Job Creators
The NYSC leadership emphasized a strategic shift in mindset—from producing job seekers to nurturing job creators and entrepreneurs.
Nafiu noted that:
- White-collar jobs are increasingly scarce in Nigeria
- Youths must embrace entrepreneurship as a viable career path
- Skills acquisition is now essential for economic survival
He stressed that the scheme’s mandate goes beyond national service to include economic empowerment and self-reliance, aligning with Nigeria’s broader diversification agenda.
Financial Support and Startup Opportunities
To deepen the impact of the programme, NYSC is strengthening partnerships with:
- Government agencies
- Private sector organizations
- Development institutions
These partnerships provide:
- Soft loans
- Grants
- Startup kits
- Business mentorship
Additionally, the proposed NYSC Trust Fund, which has been passed by the National Assembly and awaits presidential assent, is expected to provide startup capital for corps members after service, ensuring the sustainability of their business ventures.
Integration with National Economic Policy
The expansion of the NYSC entrepreneurship drive aligns with national priorities on:
- Economic diversification
- Youth employment
- MSME development
- Innovation and the “Orange Economy.”
During a policy engagement with the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), experts highlighted NYSC as a critical institution for driving grassroots entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
Real Impact: Success Stories Across Nigeria
Participants in the programme have gone on to establish businesses in:
- Agriculture
- Fashion and creative industries
- ICT and digital services
- Manufacturing and trades
These success stories demonstrate the transformational potential of structured apprenticeship and entrepreneurship programmes, especially when combined with funding and mentorship.
Implications for IEAMA and Nigeria’s Apprenticeship Ecosystem
The expansion of NYSC’s entrepreneurship initiative presents a strong opportunity for synergy with institutions like IEAMA.
Key implications include:
- Growing national recognition of apprenticeship and skill-based education
- Increased demand for structured entrepreneurial certification systems
- Opportunities for collaboration in training, mentorship, and enterprise development
This development reinforces the need to formalize traditional systems such as the Igbo apprenticeship model into globally recognized frameworks—an area where IEAMA plays a strategic role.
Conclusion
The NYSC’s expanded entrepreneurship drive marks a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s unemployment crisis. By equipping millions of young Nigerians with practical skills and access to startup support, the scheme is positioning youth as drivers of economic transformation rather than dependents on limited job opportunities.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize entrepreneurship, initiatives like SAED—and potential collaborations with professional bodies like IEAMA—will be crucial in building a sustainable, innovation-driven economy.