As NYSC 2024 Batch C Stream II Skills Acquisition In-Camp Training Ends

Beyond the post-war 3Rs – Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction, agenda that gave birth to the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on May 22, 1973, the scheme has continued to set new directions and prepare Nigerian youths for post-academic learning and value addition to paper qualifications. 

The NYSC mandatory service to dear fatherland has continued to serve as a post-academic platform for the over 350,000 male and female graduates mobilised for the service year for personal rediscovery as they matured into adulthood.

Under the only surviving post-war initiative, the NYSC scheme unarguably, besides its unifying tag, has become a pedestal for young Nigerians to test the waters of the world of work and economic challenges.

However, as the country begins to witness the collapse of industries and economic challenges, the managers of the 52-year-old scheme have over the years been evolving new ideas to empower corps members for better economic opportunities, especially during camping, at Places of Primary Assignment and after the completion of the mandatory scheme. 

In March 2012, precisely 23 years ago, the NYSC leadership introduced the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programmes into the NYSC orientation course content. 

The SAED scheme is an initiative driven to aid Corps members in obtaining necessary skills that will encourage them in turn to pursue entrepreneurship careers to reduce possible time spent in the labour market in search of paid employment. 

2024 Batch SAED Fair

The nationwide exercise that is implemented within the framework of camping exercise (in-camp) and the service year of the corps members (post-camp) had the 2024 Batch C Stream II corps staged an exhibition of knowledge gained in various skill sets within three weeks in camps across the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The in-camp phase of the project focuses largely on creating the entrepreneurial and self-reliance spirit, helping corps members explore income generation opportunities available in different sectors.

The reviewed SAED skill-sets cover Agro-allied in food processing, animal feed production-processing & packaging, biofuel production, agrochemicals, forestry, fish a, Hydroponics, Piggery, Snail production, poultry farming, livestock farming, crop production, Animal Feed production.

TCT that covers Computer Hardware, Software Development Internet and networking technologies, Cloud computing, Mobile devices, Programming Language; python, java, etc. Web Design, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Automation, Mobile App Development, UI/UX DESIGN, Block Chain Technology, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing.

Creative Industry focuses on Advertising and marketing, fashion, film, video, music, publishing, pattern drafting, Gele/Barbing and Half styling, Interior Design, make up, Event management, Graphic design, Animation, Arts & Crafts (Theatre Arts, Painting (Graffiti), Sculpting, Drawing, Choreography, Leather Works.

Others are Construction in the form of Aluminium & Steel Works, 3D Panels, Electrical Works & Maintenance, Interlock Making, Paint Production, Plumbing, Block Production, Screeding, Tiling, and Recycling Waste.

Then you have the Culinary And Catering Services and food production.

Others are Green Energy And Satellite Security Technology Solar Panel Installation, Inverter Battery Maintenance, Installation & Maintenance, Installation & Maintenance of Decoders and CCTV.

Cosmetology covers Soap Making, Organic Cream Production, Hand Wash, and see Liquid/Sanitizer Production.

The Cleaning Services And Hygiene cover Laundry, Dry-Cleaning & Packaging, industrial Cleaning, Hand Wash, Liquid/Sanitiser Production, Alcohol and Disinfectant production 

Also, the corps members are exposed to ventures in education management, training in the establishment of day care centres, driving schools, nursery and primary schools; delivery/logistics services, among others.

At the Sagamu International Stadium permanent orientation camp for Ogun NYSC, the SAED Fair held recently bore testimonies by corps members desire to acquire skills that will serve as option B to their academic qualification after the mandatory one year service.

The corps members who radiated with so much enthusiasm having identified hands-on training that best suits their personality and desires exhibited such to the delight of the State Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Nasamu, the special guest of honour, Dr. Belinda Faniyi and other dignitaries present at the fair.

The Coordinator, Mrs. Nasamu, explained that the SAED training was designed to specifically equip corps members with the necessary tools to start small and grow big. 

“As we mark the successful closure of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) in-camp training programme, it is a significant milestone, underscoring the continuous and unwavering commitment of the scheme to empowering our young Nigerians for a brighter and prosperous future.

“You have undertaken a remarkable journey of learning, skill-building, and self-discovery. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and eagerness to learn have been inspiring, and I am confident that the skills and knowledge you have acquired will set the foundation” for a life of purpose, entrepreneurship, and success.”

She lauded the trainers commitment to nurturing the next generation of 2, 286 entrepreneurs at the camp on national service in Ogun State.

The guest speaker and former Coordinator in the state, Dr. Belinda Ameze Faniyi appealed to the corps members to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the NYSC to embrace the SAED programme, saying the Federal government had good intentions with the scheme. 

“Your education does not end with the service year. Most of you at the end of the service year would want to move from offices and across the states seeking employment with the federal and state governments, NNPC, Banks or work in big places.

“I spent 35 years serving the government. And I used to tell my corps members, as a civil servant, my take home was quite minimal. I finished here on level 16 earning just N230,000 monthly.”

She cautioned that salary jobs without acquiring hands on skill as option B is not enough to cater for their needs in the face of rising inflation globally.

“The skills set you endeavour to acquire are lifelong assets that can make you stand out, live a good life, create jobs for others as you become an employer of labour.

“There are vast yearning opportunities in the agro-allied industry to start with. I make bold to announce to you that farming is a good and lucrative business that can sustain you.

“We have to go back to the land. I started farming on four hectares of land and we planted cassava that fetched good returns used the proceeds to build ponds, establish fish farming and planted a lot of crops that did well.”

In another presentation, a young but successful fish farmer based in Ondo State, Mr. Yinyegha Tiki, the Chief Executive Officer of Tikifish Farm and Smokehouse recalled how he ventured into the trade as young boy and transformed what his parents were on a low scale to a thriving business that has attracted patronage from different parts of the world.

The event featured presentations by corps members as they displayed knowledge gained in different skills sets.

However, Mrs. Nasamu assured the corps members of the scheme’s commitment to ensuring access to further opportunities for growth and success.

“I urge you to make full use of the post-camp training opportunities provided by your trainers. Additionally, Skill Acquisition Officers are available across all Local Government Areas to offer support and guidance on any challenges or questions you may have regarding this programme,” Nasamu encouraged the corps members.

“As you prepare to leave the camp after 21 days of orientation exercise, 1 encourage you to seize the opportunities provided by the NYSC SAED programme. This is a golden opportunity to better your life and remember, success does not depend solely on individual efforts; it is also a product of collective responsibility, shared vision, and determination