By Nkechi Eze
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged Corps Members deployed as teachers to take deliberate steps toward improving the quality of education in their host communities.
During his visit to the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Corps Members at the Temporary Orientation Camp in Basaura, Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State, the DG, according to the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, challenged the youths to set bold academic improvement targets for the schools where they will serve.
He encouraged them to begin by assessing the current academic performance of their students and identifying areas that require urgent intervention. “Check how well the school has performed in Mathematics, English and the sciences. If you see that consistently, the pass mark for English has been say 30%, challenge yourself: try and take it up to 60 or 70%. That should be your pride,” he said.
Brigadier General Nafiu also emphasized the importance of fostering unity and national cohesion. He called on Corps Members to build friendships across ethnic and geo-political lines, noting that such networks would form the bedrock of the country’s future success.
The DG further advised the Corps Members to take full advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, stressing that the service year should yield long-term benefits. “Your one year should give you two returns: Certificate of National Service and a marketable skill,” he said.
He encouraged them to explore cross-regional trade opportunities as part of their journey toward self-employment and wealth creation, pointing out that many successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria began their ventures during their service year. He disclosed that the NYSC is currently in partnership with several institutions—including the Bank of Industry, NNPC, Kudimata, Wema Bank and Access Bank—to provide grants and loans that support Corps Members with viable business ideas.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Alhaji Bala Dabo, briefed the Director-General on the state of the camp, explaining that although the Orientation Camp is temporary, it has been adequately equipped to ensure smooth operations. He also reported that a total of 567 Corps Members were registered for the Orientation Course.
