By Felicia Udeji
The World Bank has identified Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as an untapped goldmine capable of driving the nation’s progress toward industrialization and economic growth. Dr. Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, highlighted the NYSC’s potential to empower thousands of young graduates annually, encouraging the Federal Government to maximize the scheme’s benefits to address unemployment and skill gaps.
In an interview with Arise TV, Dr. Diop spoke passionately about the NYSC, which he sees as a unique tool for job creation and skill-building. “If you leverage NYSC effectively, you can help the institution equip over 300,000 graduates each year with the skills needed to succeed in today’s job market,” he said. He added that the World Bank is actively exploring ways to support Nigeria in utilizing the NYSC to enhance youth employability and contribute to sustainable development.
Proposed Strategies to Maximize NYSC’s Potential
To harness the NYSC’s potential fully, the Federal Government could adopt the following measures:
Skill Empowerment and Vocational Training: To better prepare corps members for the labor market, the FG could invest in skill-building initiatives during the service year. Practical training in fields like business management, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship could equip participants with valuable tools for self-employment or other career paths. Ensuring access to certifications in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) for corps members interested in these areas would also enhance their competitiveness and readiness for technology-driven roles.
Increased Allowances for Financial Independence: Raising corps members’ stipends would serve as an immediate support, especially for those looking to start businesses or establish themselves in their chosen skills. This increase would alleviate financial constraints and encourage entrepreneurship, enabling young graduates to pursue self-sustaining ventures post-service.
Improved Posting Policies for Rural Areas: For corps members posted to remote and underserved areas, where opportunities for development and job placement are limited, the FG must take action to support their growth. Dr. Diop urged the government to either ensure meaningful empowerment initiatives in these communities or reconsider postings that do not foster skill development. It’s vital to remember that corps members, like the communities they serve, need to be developed; sending graduates to help in under-resourced areas without giving them adequate support limits their growth and their impact.
Public-Private Partnerships for Job Placement and Internships. Collaborations between the government and private sector could provide NYSC members with hands-on experience through internships and job placements. This kind of productive alliance would give corps members real-world exposure, positioning them for employment or entrepreneurship after the service year.
In concluding, Dr. Diop emphasized that NYSC has the potential to be a game-changer for Nigeria if strategically leveraged. With effective public policies and partnerships, NYSC could be transformed into a driving force for job creation and economic growth, empowering Nigeria’s young graduates to contribute to the nation’s industrialization and self-sufficiency.