The competition formed the grand finale of the Drug-Free Schools Initiative, a youth-focused advocacy programme designed to educate students on the dangers of substance abuse while promoting responsible decision-making, healthy lifestyles and safer school environments.

The event, held in Abuja, brought together students, teachers, education stakeholders, officials of the NYSC, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and corps members in support of the initiative.

The essay competition attracted 84 entries from students across participating schools, with finalists advancing to the concluding stage alongside contestants in the quiz competition.

At the end of the contest, Ozor Kamsy of Federal Government Boys College, Wuye, emerged winner of the essay competition. Arafat Ismail of Parliament International School placed second, while Nafisat Abbas of Badr Integrated School secured third position.

In the quiz competition, Jamal Oyawoye of Badr Integrated School emerged overall winner, followed by Nicodemus Gideon of Government Secondary School (GSS), Apo, in second place, while Salma Musa of Parliament International School came third.

Speaking at the event, YADI Programme Coordinator, Umar Faruk Bala, said the organisation supported the initiative because of the urgent need to shield young people from the growing menace of drug abuse and substance misuse.

He stressed that effective prevention requires sustained engagement beyond routine awareness campaigns.

«”This initiative is not just about warning students against drugs. It is about helping them understand that their future is too valuable to be destroyed by a moment of pleasure, peer pressure or curiosity,” he said.»

According to him, awareness programmes should encourage students to think critically, write, ask questions, compete and ultimately become ambassadors of drug-free living within their schools and communities.

Bala disclosed that YADI plans to sustain the initiative as an annual intervention, with future editions expanding to cover disaster preparedness, responsible digital citizenship, public safety and other youth-related issues.

The initiator of the campaign, Abdulhameed Yushau, said the Drug-Free Schools Initiative was inspired by his concern over the increasing exposure of teenagers to drug abuse and other risky behaviours.

He explained that the project featured advocacy lectures, article writing, video production, school sensitisation campaigns and interactive learning sessions designed to deepen students’ understanding of the dangers associated with substance abuse.

According to Yushau, many young people are drawn into drug abuse through curiosity, peer pressure, poor guidance, media influence and the desire for social acceptance.

He urged students to protect their future by choosing positive friendships, participating in sports and school clubs, acquiring useful skills and avoiding environments associated with drug abuse.

«”The quiz and essay competitions were introduced to test students’ understanding of the campaign and encourage them to become advocates of drug-free living within their schools and communities,” he said.»

During the sensitisation session, the Deputy Commandant of the NDLEA FCT Command, Aliyu Omama, educated students on the health, psychological, social and academic consequences of drug abuse.

He advised them to reject negative peer influence, avoid harmful substances and make responsible choices capable of securing their future.

A representative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mrs. Deborah Dada, encouraged the students to channel their energy into digital innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition as positive alternatives to drug abuse and other harmful behaviours.

She noted that technology offers enormous opportunities for young people and urged them to embrace learning and innovation as pathways to success.

The organisers said the initiative reflects the core objectives of the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS), which encourages corps members to identify societal challenges and implement practical solutions within their host communities.

The campaign received the endorsement of the National Youth Service Corps, with NYSC officials and corps members attending the event in support of the initiative.

Teachers and participating students described the programme as timely, educative and impactful, commending the organisers for using creative learning approaches to promote drug prevention among adolescents.

The event also coincided with the conclusion of activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day, officially known as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

This year’s global theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” underscores the need for sustained prevention strategies, youth engagement and community-driven responses to emerging drug-related threats.

Organisers said the Drug-Free Schools Initiative would continue to serve as a platform for promoting healthy lifestyles, responsible choices and safer learning environments for young Nigerians.

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The facility, known as the NITDA Innovation Space, was commissioned at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, with top officials from NITDA, NYSC leadership, technology stakeholders, and serving corps members in attendance.

Speaking at the event, NITDA Director-General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said the initiative was designed to equip young Nigerians with relevant digital skills and innovation capacity required to thrive in a fast-changing global economy.

“The world is changing fast. Many of the jobs we see today did not exist decades ago. If you want to succeed, you must build relevant skills and have a clear career strategy,” Inuwa said.

He noted that between 3.5 million and 4 million youths enter Nigeria’s labour market annually, placing pressure on traditional employment structures and making innovation-driven job creation imperative.

“Our goal is simple: before you leave here, you should either have built a business or created something valuable enough to earn you a place in the ecosystem,” he added.

Drawing from his personal experience, Inuwa recounted how a voluntary project during his NYSC year in 2004 led to a ₦1.5 million contract, stressing the importance of visibility and initiative in career growth.

“You need to create visibility. If you stand out, you don’t have to ask for jobs,” he said.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, described the innovation hub as a model for youth empowerment and national development.

“We don’t just post corps members for service; we post them to add value and to be developed. What is happening here at NITDA is exactly what the country needs,” Nafiu said.

He commended corps members for developing market-ready digital solutions, adding that the initiative underscores the relevance of the NYSC scheme in a technology-driven era.

“The future of this country is here with these youths. At NITDA, they are not just accepting corps members; they are transforming them into better Nigerians,” he stated.

Nafiu also disclosed that NYSC has begun its own digital transformation, announcing that from 2026 Batch A Stream One, the scheme has fully digitised its ID card system, enabling corps members to access identification through digital dashboards.

He further expressed interest in adopting a Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) verification system developed by NITDA corps members and called for deeper collaboration between both institutions.

During the event, corps members showcased innovative digital solutions, including NITDA Smart ID Management by Team Sentinel and Trivergent, and NYSC Corps360 (COPA App) by Team COPA, aimed at improving identity management and service coordination.

One of the developers, Ruth Mmachi Owana-Jack, described the Smart ID System as a unified digital identity platform addressing inefficiencies in traditional ID systems.

“Identity cards cannot be updated in real time, leading to constant reprinting. Our solution integrates mobile and web applications with a unified card supporting secure and seamless interactions,” she said.

Another innovator, Lukman M. Abdullahi, noted that the system integrates access, identity, and functionality into a single platform, reducing cost and inefficiencies associated with multiple identification systems.

“At NITDA, staff use multiple cards for different purposes. Our solution simplifies this into one integrated system supported by digital access,” he explained.

NITDA, which absorbs an average of 700 corps members annually, has repositioned the NYSC scheme as an innovation pipeline by providing structured mentorship, training in emerging technologies, and platforms to scale ideas into real-world solutions.

The innovation hub will serve as the operational base for NITDA’s Idea to Impact Programme, designed to help corps members convert concepts into deployable and commercially viable products.

Officials said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for youth empowerment and digital transformation, marking a shift in national service from a routine obligation to a platform for innovation, enterprise, and long-term impact.

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Inuwa made the call at the grand finale of the NITDA Innovation Challenge 1.0, held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The event featured presentations by Corp members and Interns who showcased technology-driven projects developed under NITDA’s internal innovation programme aimed at solving real-life problems and improving service delivery.

Sharing his personal journey, the DG recounted how his career in technology began during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year over two decades ago.

“I had an opportunity to build a website for the place I served, and that opened doors for me,” he said. “Before I finished my service, a company offered me a contract worth ₦1.5 million to develop another website. Since then, I have remained committed to creating value through technology.”

He revealed that NITDA currently hosts over 550 Corp members, many of whom face employment challenges after their service year. To address this, he said the agency is providing platforms that enable them to acquire digital skills, refine their ideas, and build startups before completing their service year.

“We know it’s not easy to get jobs after NYSC,” he noted. “So we are creating opportunities for you to build your own startups while you are here. You don’t have to wait until after your service year — you can start testing your ideas right now.”

The DG commended the participants for their innovative ideas, ranging from smart performance tracking systems to digital branding tools, knowledge management platforms, job placement systems, and certificate verification solutions.

“These are solutions we truly need,” he said, encouraging them to continue exploring new possibilities and building solutions that will define Nigeria’s digital future.

In his remarks, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director in the DG’s Office, described the Innovation Challenge as more than a competition, calling it a “movement” that will redefine innovation within NITDA and across the public sector.

“What we are witnessing today is not just a programme but a movement,” he said. “In the years to come, the world will look back at this moment and celebrate it because the innovations developed here will not only transform NITDA but the entire public service.”

He explained that the initiative was inspired by the DG’s vision to institutionalise innovation through a structured approach, which led to the creation of the NITDA Innovation Framework (NIF) — a blueprint for harnessing creativity and improving public sector efficiency.

“Innovation is not about competition; it’s about collaboration,” Eniola added. “Everyone who took part in this challenge has contributed to building the foundation of something much bigger. Together, we are shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

Under the framework, staff, Corp members, and Interns were encouraged to identify and propose solutions to real challenges within NITDA’s operations and national digital transformation agenda.

The maiden edition of the Challenge attracted 35 submissions from various departments. After screening, 13 priority challenges were selected, leading to the formation of 24 teams that participated in workshops, mentorship sessions, and pitching events. Out of these, 23 teams successfully completed their projects, addressing 10 key internal issues within the agency.

Ten finalist teams presented their innovations before the NITDA Innovation Council, with six emerging as winners.

The NITDA Innovation Challenge is part of the agency’s broader strategy to foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving within the public sector, in alignment with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

Through initiatives like this, NITDA aims to position itself as a model for innovation-driven governance and a launchpad for young Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of cash awards to the top six winning teams as follows: Team X (COPA) – 1st Place; Team Sentinel (Smart ID) – 2nd Place; Smart Track Innovators – 3rd Place; Team Trivergent – 4th Place; Team TechLogs (SafeCheck) – 5th Place; Team Big Tech (Digital Brainbox) and Team SRAPture – tied for 6th Place.

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The initiative is part of the Ward Enrollment Exercise, aimed at reaching underserved and remote areas. It aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to accelerate the registration of Nigerians, especially children under 16, into the NIN system.

According to Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Corps members are undergoing specialized training before being posted to community wards nationwide. Over 120 million Nigerians have been enrolled so far, but the Commission aims to reach 95% of the population by December 2025.

“This grassroots approach is vital to ensure every Nigerian is counted and accounted for,” said Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC’s Director-General. “With better infrastructure, expanded registration centers, and public sensitization, we will meet our target.”

The program is also expected to enhance government planning by providing more accurate population data.

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In a decisive move toward bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and fostering an inclusive digital economy, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who are serving as Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) Initiative champions to double their efforts in training and sensitising Nigerians on the transformative potential of digital literacy in shaping Nigeria’s future.

The gathering, which is one of the flagship programmes under NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), focusing on grassroots engagement, and seeks to provide underserved communities with essential digital knowledge, empowering individuals to access opportunities in an increasingly digitally-driven world.

In his keynote address, Inuwa said, “you are the ambassadors of our shared vision to empower every Nigerian with the knowledge needed to navigate and excel in the digital economy. Your dedication and resilience will ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as we build a technologically driven, globally competitive economy.”

While reminding the champions of their critical role in actualising NITDA’s ambition to achieve short-term target of 70% digital literacy by 2027, and 95% by 2030, Inuwa emphasised that the goal inspire confidence, build capacity, and pave the way for a digitally inclusive society.

He added that the DL4ALL initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises innovation-driven economic growth, youth empowerment, and national prosperity.

Inuwa emphasised the far-reaching impact of the initiative, noting “this programme is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in our collective future. A digitally skilled workforce will not only transform our economy but also position Nigeria as a leader in the global knowledge economy.”

“Through your efforts, we will empower millions of Nigerians to unlock their potential, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

“This is our collective responsibility. The digital future we envision for Nigeria begins with the work you will do in your communities. Let us commit ourselves to this cause, knowing that the seeds we plant today will yield a harvest of opportunities for generations to come,” he added.

He affirmed NITDA’s commitment to leading Nigeria’s digital transformation and fostering a future where no citizen is left behind.

The Director General’s remarks were met with enthusiasm by the champions, who expressed their readiness to serve as change agents in their assigned communities. For many, the initiative represents an opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while gaining experience in leadership and community engagement.

As the champions prepare for deployment to various communities across Nigeria, their responsibilities are to impart knowledge, sensitise communities about the benefits of digital skills in everyday life, including financial inclusion through digital banking, leveraging e-commerce platforms for small businesses, and understanding cybersecurity essentials to navigate the digital space safely.

The Digital Literacy for All initiative is a movement that embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. It brings together key stakeholders, including NITDA, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the NYSC, and other strategic partners, all working towards the shared goal of fostering digital inclusion.

As part of the initiative, champions received intensive training to prepare them for the field. This training includes hands-on workshops on digital tools, effective communication strategies for engaging diverse audiences, and techniques for tailoring content to meet the specific needs of different communities.

As these champions embark on their journey, their efforts are expected to create a ripple effect that will transform lives and communities across Nigeria.

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched the first phase of its “Digital Literacy for All” (DL4ALL) initiative, deploying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as trainers across 12 states in Nigeria.

The agency, in a statement released on Saturday, announced that it is leveraging its partnership with the NYSC to drive the program, aiming to achieve 70% digital literacy among Nigerians by 2027.

The 12 states where the pilot phase has commenced include the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi, Jigawa, Yobe, Gombe, Kwara, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River, Bayelsa, Abia, and Ebonyi.

“In these states, camp sensitization lectures are underway, introducing corps members and local communities to the goals of the Digital Literacy for All Programme,” the statement said.

NITDA emphasized that the initiative is designed to equip all Nigerian citizens with the essential digital skills required to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.

The agency’s partnership with the NYSC is intended to “leverage the energy and reach of corps members nationwide.”

“These young graduates, stationed in various parts of Nigeria, will serve as Champions during their service year, providing training and sensitization on digital skills within the communities they serve,” NITDA stated.

The program is set to use the existing NYSC structure to initiate nationwide sensitization and skill-building, ensuring that even the most remote areas receive the message and benefits of digital literacy.

Earlier in June, NITDA announced its strategic partnership with the NYSC following a meeting between NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, and NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed, in Abuja.

This partnership aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), aimed at fostering digital literacy and cultivating talent through the DL4ALL initiative.

The initiative seeks to train 30 million Nigerians, particularly the youth, in digital skills, enabling them to access essential digital services, participate in the digital economy, compete for jobs, and enhance their employability.

In a related development, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, recently stated that all training programs of the current administration are geared towards ensuring that 90% of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2030.

Among these initiatives is the ongoing “3 Million Technical Skills” (3MTT) program, through which the government plans to train 3 million Nigerians in digital skills over the next three years.

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Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing the nation today. According to recent statistics, more than half of the country’s youth population is unemployed or underemployed. This high unemployment rate is not only a waste of human potential but also a significant barrier to the country’s development. The lack of job opportunities for young people has far-reaching consequences, including increased poverty, social unrest, and economic stagnation.

It is against this background that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), collaborate to provide digital training for 30 million young people, aimed at tackling the pressing issue of youth unemployment and mitigate potential challenges that might arise from it.

The partnership between NITDA and NYSC is centered towards addressing the digital skills gap by training Nigerians in various digital competencies. This ambitious initiative is designed to equip youth with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy and reduce the high rate of youth unemployment. By leveraging the nationwide reach of NYSC and the technical expertise of NITDA, this program has the potential to make a significant impact on the job market and the economy.

Meanwhile, several factors contribute to the high rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria. One of the primary causes is the mismatch between the skills taught in schools and the demands of the job market. Many young Nigerians graduate with degrees that do not equip them with the practical skills needed by employers. Additionally, the education system often needs to provide students with the technical and digital skills necessary for the modern workforce.

The impact of youth unemployment is profound, affecting both individuals and society at large. For youth, unemployment can lead to a sense of hopelessness and frustration, reducing their motivation and potential to contribute positively to society. On a broader scale, high youth unemployment can result in increased crime rates, social instability, and a loss of faith in government and institutions. The economic consequences are also severe, as a large segment of the population remains unproductive, slowing down overall economic growth and development.

The primary goal of the NITDA-NYSC partnership is to provide comprehensive digital skills training to young Nigerians. This includes not only basic digital literacy but also advanced skills such as coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. The program aims to reach young people across the country, including those in rural and underserved areas, to ensure that no one is left behind. By providing training that is relevant to the current job market, the program hopes to enhance the employability of Nigerian youth.

This grand move by NITDA can be aptly described as a “checkmate move” for three key reasons:

Given that participation in the NYSC program is mandatory for all graduates in Nigeria, and since acquiring digital skills has become a key component of the NYSC training, it implies that all graduates will possess digital competencies before entering the job market. This integration ensures that every young Nigerian entering the workforce is equipped with essential digital skills, significantly enhancing their employability and readiness to meet the demands of the modern economy.

Secondly, in a country that produces approximately 600,000 graduates annually, it is imperative to equip them with skills that are not only in demand locally but also sought after on a global scale. Digital skills provide the solution because they encompass a wide range of competencies, including coding, digital marketing, data analysis, graphic design, cybersecurity, and more.

These skills are increasingly in demand across various sectors, from technology and finance to healthcare and creative industries. As businesses and organizations continue to digitize their operations, the need for employees who possess digital skills will continue to grow exponentially. By acquiring these skills, youth can significantly enhance their employability and career prospects both locally and globally.

Lastly, Digital skills are instrumental in fostering entrepreneurship, providing youth with the tools and knowledge needed to start and grow their businesses. With the right training, they can leverage digital platforms and technologies to launch ventures that span a wide range of industries, from e-commerce to tech startups.

Digital skills foster a culture of innovation and problem-solving. Youth can use technology to identify and address local challenges, creating businesses that not only generate profit but also contribute to community development. For example, tech startups focusing on fintech, health tech, or edutech can provide solutions to financial inclusion, healthcare access, and educational gaps, respectively.

However, to achieve these heart-suiting outcomes, several key strategies should be adopted;

To be effective, quality training must be delivered. Investing in the professional development of trainers and ensuring they are well-versed in the latest technologies and teaching methodologies is essential. Also, the training programs should emphasize practical, hands-on experience. This can be achieved through project-based learning, internships, and real-world simulations that allow participants to apply their skills in practical settings.

Additionally, since a large portion of corp members are usually posted to rural areas, access to technology and internet connectivity is crucial, without that many will find it difficult to participate in the transformative training programs. This digital divide must be addressed to ensure that the program reaches all segments of the population.

Moreso, implementing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks can help track the effectiveness of training programs and identify areas for improvement. Regular feedback from participants and trainers should be collected and analyzed regularly.

It should also, be noted that the digital landscape is constantly evolving. Training programs must be agile and adaptable, incorporating new technologies and methodologies as they emerge. Continuous professional development for trainers and curriculum updates are essential.

Ultimately, the potential of digital skills to transform the lives of youth and reduce unemployment is immense. We must seize this opportunity with determination and collective effort. Together, we can create a robust support system that empowers Nigeria’s youth, reduces unemployment, and fosters sustainable economic growth.

Shuaib S. Agaka, a tech journalist writes from Kano

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President Bola Tinubu has approved N35 billion for the take – off of the student loan scheme.

So far, 70, 000 applications have been approved by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Another 50, 000 applications are currently being evaluated and would be approved within 30 days.

According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, the funds will be disbursed based on the timetable and calendars of the academic session of each institution.

He said: “The funds will be disbursed based on the timetable and calendars of the academic session of each institution. The portal for students to apply for the loan opened on May 24, 2024.

“The portal will be permanently open because institutions don’t have a uniform calendar,” Sawyerr added.

No fewer than 1.2 million students are expected to benefit from the cardinal programme of the Tinubu administration.

Applicants are required to provide their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) letter, National Identification Number (NIN), and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Students in Federal Government-owned tertiary institutions will be the first batch of beneficiaries of the loan scheme.

Those from state-owned tertiary institutions will benefit from the scheme too.

The agency said it would start receiving applications from students in state-owned tertiary institutions from June 25, 2024.

The loan, which is an equivalent of the tuition fees of the benefitting students, would be paid directly to their institutions.

But stipends would be paid directly to beneficiaries on a monthly basis to assist them buy other things that can make them comfortable while pursuing their education.

The agency is working with 126 tertiary institutions on the scheme.

The source said: “President Bola Tinubu has graciously approved N35bn for the student loan scheme. The funds are awaiting disbursement.

“About 70, 000 applications have been approved by NELFUND management. 50, 000 applications are currently being evaluated. These applications will be approved within 30 days.

“We receive an average of 1,500 applications a day.

“Mr President has provided enough funds to accommodate every Nigerian student who desires the loan.”

President Tinubu on April 3 signed into law the bill on the scheme in line with his electoral promise that no Nigerian student would drop out of school on account of lack of funds.

According to the law, repayment will commence two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

The ambitious cardinal programme will be funded with one per cent of the total annual collectable revenue by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

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In a significant move to implement its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) pillar of “Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents,” the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance digital literacy across the nation.

The strategic partnership which was formalised at the NYSC Secretariat in Abuja, seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reform the economy and deliver sustained inclusive growth by leveraging digital literacy and cultivating a pool of tech talent.

The initiative will focus on providing practical training in key areas such as software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. It aims to reach 30 millions of Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, with the goal of equipping them with skills necessary for the digital economy by 2027.
Speaking on the importance of digital literacy, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, emphasised leveraging on technology to enhance productivity and digital skills.

He said, “We have set up the team working with your team to explore how you can infuse technology into the NYSC process, experiment emerging technologies like blockchain to secure NYSC certificates and build digital skills capacity among Corp Members. Today we are here on the bigger mission.”

Inuwa cited global research which predicted 85 million talent deficits by 2030, which could result in a loss of 8.5 trillion US dollars in annual value if unaddressed. According to him, this initiative will not only enhance employability but also drive innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.

“We developed the National Digital Literacy Framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a mid-term target of 70% by 2027. The framework promotes universal access to digital literacy, skills development at various proficiency levels, and workforce readiness for future digital demands,” he added.

Inuwa further detailed the implementation plan, which includes training Corp Members during their service year and using them as digital literacy ambassadors across Nigeria.

“Our target is how can we leverage your platform to deepen that digital literacy. The initiative will involve onboarding Corp Members on digital platforms, providing continuous learning opportunities, and selecting ambassadors to teach digital skills in their communities.

“We need to build a tailor-made solution that will address our challenges, harness indigenous talents to promote digital solutions, and this requires the collective efforts of the government, private sectors, and all stakeholders,” he added.

On his part, the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, commended the collaboration, while emphasising unity of purpose in achieving shared goals.

He said, “I appreciate this collaboration because I believe we are one family and we are working towards the same goal. I also believe that if there is anything we can give, it is our commitment. Regardless of where you come from, as long as, at the end of the day, the Nigerian youth are in a better position from where they are coming from, that is what is important”

The Minister acknowledged the dedication of all involved and expressed gratitude towards the NYSC’s leadership, commitment and availability to the cause.

The Director General of NYSC, Brig Gen YD Ahmed, in his response, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and NYSC’s readiness to fully engage.

He said, “This process for us in NYSC is a very good one, and there is no any iota of doubt we are going to fully collaborate with NITDA to grab the process,” he assured.

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TECHDIGEST – National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has unveiled an initiative that will use blockchain technology to authenticate National Youth Service Corps certificates.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general, NITDA, on Wednesday, announced the project during the stakeholders’ policy dialogue event on the ‘Implementation of the national blockchain’ in Lagos.

In order to address the challenge of certificate forgery and fraudulent issuance, NITDA said it was collaborating with Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed, director-general, NYSC, to pioneer the development of an advanced blockchain-based certificate authentication system.

“The NYSC certificate has been a concern due to widespread cases of forgery and fraudulent issuance,” Abdullahi said.

The revolutionary approach, according to him, was designed to ensure the integrity and validity of NYSC certificates, thereby enhancing transparency and trust in the certification process.

READ ALSO: What NITDA and Global Tech Giants’ Synergy Means for Nigerian Startups 

Abdullahi, explained that blockchain technology’s potential to bring about a paradigm shift in certificate verification.

DG NITDA said, “We recognise the urgent need to combat the prevalent issue of forged NYSC certificates in Nigeria.

“By leveraging blockchain’s power, we aim to establish a secure, tamper-proof system that will enable individuals, institutions, and employers to easily verify the authenticity of NYSC certificates.”

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