…..Olawande says technology, skills development and continuous learning are critical to building a more effective NYSC workforce
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has inaugurated the NYSC Staff E-Training Portal as part of efforts to improve efficiency and professional development within the National Youth Service Corps.
Olawande launched the platform during the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Orientation Workshop held in Abuja.
The minister commended the NYSC leadership for introducing innovations aimed at improving efficiency and expanding access to knowledge among staff.
He expressed satisfaction with the technology-driven transformation of the Scheme, describing greater professionalism and access to continuous learning as important developments.
According to Olawande, the new platform would help create a more efficient, knowledgeable and responsive workforce.
“This platform would also help to build more efficient, knowledgeable and responsive workforce. We are committed towards making the Scheme get better, let us work together and embrace technology,” he said.
Minister Highlights Skills Development
Olawande also said academic qualifications alone could no longer address the challenges of unemployment.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that Corps Members acquire practical skills that can improve their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
He identified leadership, entrepreneurship, critical thinking and problem-solving as important areas for Corps Members.
The minister also stressed the importance of discipline, integrity and personal responsibility.
He said the service year should provide graduates with an opportunity to serve, lead and contribute to national development.
Olawande further described the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme as the most important content of the NYSC at present.
NYSC Reviews Orientation Course
The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said changing societal conditions had made it necessary for the Scheme to regularly review its Orientation Course.
Nafiu said the theme of the workshop, “Reimagining the NYSC Orientation Course: Building Resilient, Responsible and Service-Oriented Corps Members for a Changing World,” was designed to address the character, mindset, skills and civic awareness of Corps Members.
He said the success of the Orientation Course depended largely on effective collaboration among stakeholders.
The NYSC DG also called for stronger partnerships to protect the security and welfare of Corps Members across the country.
“I encourage everyone to keep building the partnership and trust needed for the security and welfare of Corps Members wherever they are posted across the country,” he said.
Nafiu said NYSC management remained committed to working with security agencies to assess risks and take pre-emptive measures to protect Corps Members throughout their service year.
NYSC Seeks Modern Orientation Programme
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Nura Umar, commended Olawande for his commitment to youth development.
Umar described the Orientation Camp as the first major contact between Corps Members and the NYSC at the beginning of their service year.
He said the orientation period was therefore critical to shaping their character, values and understanding of national responsibility.
Umar called for the modernisation of the Orientation Exercise to reflect contemporary realities.
He urged participants to develop strategies for improving stakeholder relationships, Corps Members’ welfare and safety, camp administration, discipline and leadership development.
He also called for stronger implementation of the SAED programme.
The workshop is expected to provide stakeholders with strategies for improving the NYSC Orientation Course and preparing Corps Members for the changing demands of national service.