Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Program
- Promoting Self-Reliance
- Youth Development and National Unity
- Financial Discipline
- Loan Initiative for Corps Members
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has described the Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Department (SAED) program as an essential “Plan B” for corps members to achieve self-reliance.
While speaking to the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members in Kaduna on Friday, Nafiu encouraged them to wholeheartedly embrace the SAED initiative during their orientation to establish sustainable livelihoods.
Nafiu elaborated that SAED provides corps members with practical skills to become self-employed, especially when job opportunities from relatives or access to white-collar jobs do not materialize.
He stated that the SAED program is designed to cultivate a business mindset among Nigerian graduates, thereby reducing reliance on government jobs and fostering youth-led entrepreneurship nationwide.
Nafiu emphasized that NYSC is more than just a service year; it serves as a platform to prepare youth for future challenges while promoting national unity and development across various regions.
He indicated that the government’s investment in youth education reflects its belief in their potential as catalysts for national transformation, urging corps members to appreciate this responsibility.
The Director-General encouraged corps members to extend their participation beyond mere involvement, urging them to seek meaningful ways to contribute to national development, even after completing their one-year mandatory service.
He warned against perceiving the service year as a vacation, stressing that it should be utilized to acquire new skills, broaden networks, and prepare for future opportunities.
Nafiu praised Kaduna State for its hospitality, reminiscing about his experience as a camp commandant there during his first NYSC posting, and assured corps members of ongoing support and safety.
He appealed to the Kaduna State government and local communities to uphold their tradition of prioritizing the welfare of corps members, ensuring their security and well-being throughout the service year.
Nafiu advised corps members to cultivate the habit of saving from their monthly stipends, noting that financial discipline is crucial for making future investments and establishing stability.
He announced that the government had introduced a N2 billion loan initiative through the Bank of Industry to assist corps members with business ideas and entrepreneurial aspirations.
According to him, each corps member can access up to N5 million at a single-digit interest rate of nine percent, repayable over three years, with a three-month grace period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SAED program?
The SAED program stands for Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Department, designed to equip corps members with practical skills for self-employment and to promote entrepreneurship among Nigerian graduates.
How much can corps members access through the loan initiative?
Each corps member can access up to N5 million at a single-digit interest rate of nine percent, with a repayment period of three years and a three-month moratorium.
What advice did the Director-General give regarding financial discipline?
The Director-General advised corps members to develop the habit of saving from their monthly stipends, emphasizing that financial discipline is essential for future investments and stability.
