Revitalising NYSC’s skills acquisition programme for empowerments, By Haroon Aremu

NYSC members participating in the SAED programme.

Revitalising the SAED programme is not just about making it more interesting, it is about harnessing its potential to transform lives, reduce unemployment, and boost the economy. By making strategic changes and fostering collaboration between the government, NYSC, and private stakeholders, SAED can be turned into a beacon of opportunity and growth for Nigeria’s young graduates.

The Federal Government, through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), is taking significant steps to address unemployment among graduates. One such initiative is the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, established in 2012. The primary goal of SAED is to equip corps members with essential skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, while promoting self-employment and reducing reliance on scarce job opportunities.

However, despite its potential, the SAED programme faces significant challenges that undermine its effectiveness. First, Corps members often find it boring and unengaging, thus use the sessions for sleeping and relaxation, rather than learning. This issue needs urgent attention and innovative solutions to make SAED the transformative experience it was intended to be.

The reason why Corps members find SAED unappealing is due to the lack of engagement, as many of them perceive the programme as monotonous and uninspiring, leading to the dearth of interest in it.

Also, inadequate supervision and support of facilitators fail to stimulate interest and enthusiasm among the participants. Another reason is the limited period allotted to the programme, as it does not provide sufficient time for corps members to develop a deep understanding of or proficiency in their chosen skills. Lastly, without a structured follow-up after the initial training, corps members often lose interest and fail to apply what they might have learnt.

However, bringing SAED to life needs strategies for improvement to transform it into a vibrant, appealing, and impactful initiative. Part of the efforts is through enhanced supervision and support, by engaging facilitators that are passionate and dynamic experts, who can inspire and motivate the corps members. There is also need for improvement in incorporating hands-on activities, workshops, and real-life business simulations to make the learning process engaging and practical.

Reviewing the time frame of the programme in the Orientation Camp by incorporating it into the Community Development Service (CDS) schedule, and dedicating two or more hours every week, will provide corps members with ample time to master their chosen skills.

The NYSC officials should also promote Performance Metrics and Accountability by publishing annual reports detailing the number of SAED beneficiaries and their post-service employment statuses. This transparency will highlight the programme’s impact and areas for improvement. Stakeholders’ involvement is also in engaging private sector investment and collaboration to enhance the quality of the SAED programme. Stakeholders can provide resources, training materials, and financial support.

Revitalising SAED has the potential to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual corps members. Empowering future entrepreneurs will be made possible by equipping young graduates with entrepreneurial skills, with the programme fostering a generation of innovative business owners and job creators. Successful SAED participants can contribute to economic growth by establishing thriving businesses, thereby creating jobs and stimulating local economies.

With a structured, engaging, and impactful SAED programme, more corps members will gain valuable skills that make them self-reliant and employable, significantly reducing the unemployment rate.

Everyone has their part to play for the SAED programme to reach its full potential, and concerted efforts from all stakeholders are essential. The government should charge the NYSC with setting annual targets for reducing unemployment among corps members and tracking their progress. The private sector should invest in the SAED programme through funding, the implantation of crucial resources, and building of partnerships. Successful business figures can serve as role models and mentors. Lastly, NYSC officials should continuously innovate and adapt the programme to meet the evolving needs and interests of young graduates.

Revitalising the SAED programme is not just about making it more interesting, it is about harnessing its potential to transform lives, reduce unemployment, and boost the economy. By making strategic changes and fostering collaboration between the government, NYSC, and private stakeholders, SAED can be turned into a beacon of opportunity and growth for Nigeria’s young graduates.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a Youth Service Corp member in Abuja; email: exponentumera@gmail.com