Harness Corps Members’ Innovation for National Growth — NYSC DG Charge Employers By Raymond Enoch
Employers across Nigeria have been urged to create enabling environments that allow Corps Members to fully express their talents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, made this call during the launch of the National Information Technology Development Agency Innovation Space, tagged “idea2impact,” held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
He emphasized that Corps Members are not just participants in the scheme but solution providers who require mentorship, guidance, and effective leadership to thrive. Nafiu challenged ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector organizations to tap into the diverse skills and experiences of young graduates to develop solutions that benefit society.
Commending NITDA for providing a platform for innovation, the NYSC boss described the “idea2impact” initiative as a strategic opportunity for Corps Members to showcase creativity and contribute to problem-solving in critical sectors. He expressed confidence in the continued relevance of the NYSC scheme, noting that it remains a vital tool for youth empowerment and national integration.
Nafiu also highlighted ongoing reforms within the scheme, including the digitization of Corps Members’ identity cards and the adoption of other technological innovations aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the skills needed to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. He stressed the importance of strategic career planning and skill acquisition for Corps Members preparing to enter the labour market.
Drawing from his personal experience as a former Corps Member, Abdullahi encouraged participants to maximize opportunities presented during their service year and to actively promote their skills. According to him, NITDA has continued to provide platforms for Corps Members to develop innovative solutions, some of which are already being integrated into the agency’s operations.
He disclosed that several Corps Members who served with NITDA have made significant contributions, including developing solutions that support the agency’s internal processes and its broader artificial intelligence transformation agenda. Abdullahi added that outstanding Corps Members may be retained by the agency based on merit and performance.
The “idea2impact” initiative is expected to further strengthen collaboration between government institutions and young innovators, creating pathways for sustainable development driven by youth-led solutions.
