NYSC Revamps SAED Programme With AI and App Development to Tackle Youth Unemployment

 NYSC Revamps SAED Programme With AI and App Development to Tackle Youth Unemployment

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced a major upgrade to its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme,  introducing artificial intelligence (AI), mobile app development, and other high-demand digital skills to better prepare Nigerian youths for today’s job market.

This strategic overhaul is part of a broader effort to reduce unemployment, boost digital literacy, and position corps members for global and remote work opportunities.

 NYSC Launches Standardised Digital Curriculum for Corps Members

Speaking at the 2025 Second SAED Stakeholders’ Summit held in Abuja, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, revealed that the organisation has standardised its SAED curriculum to ensure consistent quality and long-term impact nationwide.

According to him, the revamped curriculum is built around competence, skill mastery, and digital fluency, ensuring corps members remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

 AI, App Development, and Tech Skills Now Included

One of the biggest highlights of the new SAED structure is the inclusion of emerging technologies such as:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Mobile application development
Digital and remote work skills
Technology-driven entrepreneurship tools

This move aligns NYSC training with global workforce demands while opening doors for Nigerian youths to participate in the digital economy.

 Corps Members Integrated Into Federal Tech Initiatives

To further enhance employability, NYSC corps members are now being integrated into the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme. In addition, participants will gain access to remote job platforms and business tools through initiatives such as:

* Outsource to Nigeria
* NYSC Jobs.ng
* SAED SME Toolkit

These platforms are designed to connect young Nigerians with freelance jobs, startup resources, and international employment opportunities.

SAED’s Impact: Millions Trained, Thousands of Businesses Created

The NYSC Director-General described SAED as a cornerstone of youth empowerment in Nigeria. Since its launch in 2012:

Over 3.18 million corps members have completed entrepreneurship and workplace readiness training
More than 30,000 businesses have been officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
Many SAED graduates now employ others and contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

This, Nafiu noted, proves that Nigerian youths are capable of driving economic growth when properly equipped.

₦2 Billion MSME Loan Fund Boosts Youth Entrepreneurship

In another major development, the NYSC recently partnered with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to launch a ₦2 billion MSME loan fund specifically for corps entrepreneurs.

This funding initiative is expected to provide much-needed capital for startups, helping young business owners move from ideas to profitable ventures.

Addressing Nigeria’s Youth Unemployment Crisis

Nafiu acknowledged that while unemployment stood at just 1.9% in 1973, the figure has risen significantly today, largely due to skills gaps among young people.

He stressed that empowering youths with relevant, future-ready skills is no longer optional but a national responsibility, calling on stakeholders to remain committed to supporting SAED’s mission.

Stakeholders Applauded for Driving Transformation

Earlier at the summit, the Director of SAED, Mr. Kehinde Aremu-Cole, commended partners and stakeholders for their contributions across sectors such as:

* Technology and digital skills
* Creative industries
* Financial empowerment
* Entrepreneurship development
* Agriculture and agribusiness

He highlighted the importance of targeted funding, mentorship, and grants in transforming skills into sustainable enterprises. Building Nigeria’s Next Generation of Innovators

The NYSC reaffirmed its commitment to empowering corps members with the creativity, confidence, and tools needed to thrive in the modern economy.

As Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges, initiatives like the upgraded SAED programme are positioning young people as innovators, employers, and global competitors