Naija247news reports that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have signed a groundbreaking agreement aimed at boosting job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities for corps members. The partnership, unveiled at a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, is designed to equip young graduates with the skills and resources needed to become self-reliant and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the collaboration will focus on providing training, mentorship, and access to funding for corps members interested in starting their own businesses. The initiative is part of efforts to address the rising unemployment rate among Nigerian youths and reduce their dependence on white-collar jobs.
Naija247news gathered that the agreement includes the establishment of entrepreneurship development centers across NYSC orientation camps nationwide. These centers will offer specialized training programs in areas such as agribusiness, information technology, fashion, and renewable energy. Corps members will also have the opportunity to participate in business pitch competitions, with winners receiving seed funding and ongoing support from SMEDAN.
“This partnership is a game-changer for corps members who are eager to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path,” said NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, during the signing ceremony. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s agenda to diversify the economy and create jobs for young Nigerians.
Naija247news understands that SMEDAN will leverage its extensive network of business development service providers to ensure corps members receive practical guidance and mentorship. The agency’s Director-General, Charles Odii, revealed that the partnership would also facilitate access to low-interest loans and grants through SMEDAN’s collaboration with financial institutions and development partners.
According to Naija247news, the initiative has been met with widespread enthusiasm from stakeholders, including youth advocacy groups and private sector players. The President of the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, Dr. Nurudeen Ahmed, described the partnership as “a step in the right direction” that could significantly reduce youth unemployment if properly implemented.
However, some analysts have called for transparency and accountability in the disbursement of funds and implementation of training programs. Naija247news reports that both NYSC and SMEDAN have pledged to establish a joint monitoring and evaluation team to ensure the initiative achieves its objectives.
As the partnership takes off, thousands of corps members across the country are expected to benefit from the program, which could potentially transform them into job creators rather than job seekers.
