NYSC Seeks ILO’s Assistance to Consolidate Achievement

ABUJA (ILO News) – The Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Abuja Country Office, Mr. Dennis Zulu, has pledged to continue to work with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as part of the ILO’s contribution to promote youth entrepreneurship initiatives in Nigeria. He stated this during the visit of the Director of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED)Department, Mr Nuhu Kwaghe, who led the NYSC SAED delegation to express their gratitude to the ILO for the success of the just concluded Training of 40 officials of NYSC as Master Trainers of Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB).

Mr. Zulu stated that the ILO is invested in SAED Programmes because of its strategic importance to the Nigerian youth and to Nigeria as a whole. He pledged to continue to work with NYSC through SAED to enhance the capacity of the department in order to create a lasting impact on the youth. He congratulated the new Director on his appointment.

Mr. Kwaghe appreciated the ILO for its support over the years and continued commitment to NYSC through the SAED programmes, he acknowledged ILO’s role in the achievement of various programmes some of which include:

• Developing framework for implementing the SAED Programme on entrepreneurship development;
• Supporting the development of SAED in-camp training curriculum;
• Funding the first debriefing meeting of SAED Programme staff from 36 states and FCT and partners in May 2012
• Sponsoring nine (9) SAED officials on capacity building programmes in Turin, Morocco, and Zambia since 2013;
• Approving the training of 40 NYSC staff trained as Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Master Trainers;
• Coordinating talks with ILO partners to leverage financial, material and technical support for the SAED programme ; and
• Advocating for entrepreneurship development and youth empowerment in Nigeria

He requested further support from the ILO in the area of continued capacity building for SAED officials to enable them meet the pressing demands for more services. He also requested support to enable the NYSC expand the SIYB training to the 36 states and FCT.

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Established in 1973, the NYSC is a Federal Government of Nigeria Agency that manages the one (1) year compulsory service scheme for graduates. It has presence in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Annually, an estimated 300,000 graduates pass through the scheme whose mandate is primarily to inculcate in Nigerian Youths the spirit of selfless service to the community, and to emphasize the spirit of oneness and brotherhood of all Nigerians, irrespective of cultural or social background.