Youth Minister Launches NYSC E-Training Portal, Says Skills Key to Tackling Unemployment

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has launched the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Staff E-Training Portal, describing technology and continuous learning as critical to building a more efficient and responsive workforce.

Olawande spoke in Abuja while inaugurating the portal during the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Orientation Workshop organised by the NYSC.

The minister commended the NYSC leadership for introducing innovations aimed at improving efficiency and professional development among its personnel.

He expressed satisfaction with the technology-driven transformation of the Scheme, noting that the platform would provide NYSC staff with greater access to knowledge and enhance their capacity to deliver effectively.

“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.

Olawande also stressed the need for Corps Members to acquire practical skills beyond academic qualifications, saying university degrees alone could no longer adequately address the challenge of unemployment.

According to him, Corps Members must be equipped with practical skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, critical thinking and problem-solving, while also developing discipline, integrity and a sense of personal responsibility.

He said the mandatory service year should provide young graduates with an opportunity to serve, lead and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The minister identified the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme as the most important component of the NYSC at present, stressing the need to strengthen skills development among Corps Members.

Also speaking, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said changing societal realities had made it necessary for the Scheme to regularly review the contents of its Orientation Course to ensure continued relevance.

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 shape the character, mindset, skills and civic consciousness of Corps Members.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in ensuring the success of the Orientation Course, particularly in the areas of security and welfare.

“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.

The NYSC boss added that the management remained committed to working with security agencies to assess risks, take pre-emptive measures and ensure the safety of Corps Members throughout their service year.

Earlier, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Nura Umar, commended the minister for his commitment to youth development.

Umar described the Orientation Camp as the first major point of contact for Corps Members as they commence their service year, stressing the need to use the exercise to shape their character, values and understanding of national responsibility.

He called for the modernisation of the contents, methodology and delivery of the Orientation Course to align with contemporary realities.

Umar urged participants at the workshop to develop strategies for strengthening stakeholder collaboration, improving the welfare and safety of Corps Members, enhancing camp administration, promoting discipline and leadership development, and deepening the implementation of the SAED programme.