Ede, Osun State — The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Nafiu Oloyede, has urged members of the 2025 Batch B Stream II deployed to Osun State to prioritize skill acquisition and entrepreneurship during their service year.
Oloyede gave the advice during his official visit to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ede on Sunday, emphasizing that self-reliance through skills and innovation is the key to post-service success.
“Do not miss the skill acquisition sessions on camp. The reality is what you have now—make use of this opportunity because the automatic employment promised by family or friends may not happen,” Oloyede told the corps members.
The NYSC boss noted that the scheme has partnered with several organizations, including NGOs, civil society groups, and government ministries and agencies, to strengthen its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
According to him, while the NYSC cannot provide startup capital to every corps member, financial literacy and prudent management of monthly allowances can help them build their own business capital.
“We cannot provide startup funds for all, but with financial discipline and creativity, you can turn your allowance into seed money,” he advised.
Oloyede also encouraged corps members to leave the service year with more than just their degree certificates, urging them to take advantage of every opportunity offered during the programme.
“Don’t leave NYSC with only one certificate. Learn a trade, start a small business idea, and think beyond white-collar jobs,” he said.
“These are days of little beginnings—don’t despise them. Use every opportunity to build yourself and make meaning in life.”
Earlier, NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Agbor Obim, said the DG’s visit had boosted the morale of corps members and inspired them to take full advantage of the orientation activities.
He disclosed that 2,500 corps members were deployed to Lagos and Osun States — 1,637 to Osun and 863 to Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has approved a new policy mandating the submission of students’ final year projects and theses to the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank as a compulsory requirement for NYSC mobilisation.
The directive, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, conveyed the approval of President Bola Tinubu, marking a new step toward academic accountability and national data preservation.
