NYSC launches ICT centre to empower rural youths

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in partnership with Wema Bank, has commenced the construction of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The groundbreaking ceremony  was presided over by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, who said the project would boost the corps’ Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

Ahmed explained that the centre would offer corps members and local youths access to essential ICT skills and training, enhancing their employment prospects and entrepreneurial abilities.

He noted that the initiative was aimed at reducing the technological gap between urban and rural communities.

“This partnership with Wema Bank will provide a platform for corps members to acquire relevant ICT knowledge, while also serving as a resource hub for rural communities,” Ahmed said. “We deliberately chose rural areas like Kagarko to bridge the urban-rural divide and promote inclusive development,” he said.

The ICT centre, which will accommodate up to 90 trainees per session, is part of a broader initiative to establish similar facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Additional centres have been approved for Delta, Anambra, and Ondo states.

The Executive Director of Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, highlighted the bank’s commitment to fostering technological innovation. He explained that the centres would focus on imparting skills in digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and coding, equipping corps members and youths with tools to thrive in today’s digital economy.

“Many corps members are uncertain about their career paths upon entering the NYSC. This centre will give them the opportunity to develop new skills and improve their income potential,” Mabawonku said.

He also emphasised that the focus on AI learning would help Nigeria position itself as a key player in Africa’s technology sector.

Speaking on behalf of Kagarko Local Government, Chairman Muhideen Umar pledged the community’s support in maintaining the facility. He assured stakeholders that local security arrangements would be put in place to safeguard the centre.

“The council will collaborate with the community to ensure this centre is well-secured and maintained,” Umar said, noting the importance of ICT knowledge in driving progress and development in rural areas.

The centre, expected to be completed within two months, will not only serve NYSC members but also students from nearby schools, providing them with access to digital resources essential for modern education and job opportunities.