National News – Governor Umar Namadi has called on newly deployed members of the National Youth Service Corps to prioritise skills acquisition as a pathway to self-reliance.

The appeal came on Friday during the swearing-in of 2,005 Batch A Stream II corps members at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp in Dutse, Jigawa State.

Represented by his deputy, Aminu Gumel, Namadi stressed that beyond the traditional one-year service, the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme remains critical to tackling unemployment among Nigerian graduates.

He urged participants to remain disciplined, law-abiding, and proactive throughout their service year.

The oath of allegiance was administered by the state Chief Judge, represented by Justice Usman Lamin, who reminded corps members of their responsibility to uphold the rules governing the scheme and act as worthy ambassadors of their institutions and families.

Nigeria continues to grapple with rising youth unemployment, making initiatives like NYSC’s entrepreneurship training increasingly relevant.

Established in 1973 after the civil war to foster unity and integration, the NYSC scheme has gradually evolved into a platform for economic empowerment.

However, experts argue that its impact depends largely on how seriously participants engage with its programmes.

Some Jigawa residents and camp officials expressed optimism that the governor’s emphasis on vocational skills could reduce dependency on scarce white-collar jobs.

A camp official noted that more corps members are now showing interest in trades such as tailoring, ICT, and agribusiness compared to previous years.

Namadi’s message aligns with a broader national push for entrepreneurship-driven growth.

If effectively implemented, skills training could help corps members transition into small business owners, contributing to local economies.

However, challenges such as limited funding, inadequate training facilities, and inconsistent mentorship remain obstacles.

Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend not just on policy direction, but on sustained investment and commitment from both government and participants.

The call to action signals a shift from mere participation in NYSC to purposeful engagement that could shape post-service careers.