NILDS DG Launches Three-Month Skills Acquisition, Entrepreneurship Programme for Corps Members

The Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman has launched a three-month capacity development, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition programme aimed at equipping corps members serving at the Institute with practical skills for life after the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

The programme, organised in collaboration with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Student Mentorship of the University of Abuja, is designed to strengthen participants’ employability, entrepreneurial capacity, and ability to establish sustainable businesses.

Speaking at the commencement ceremony, Prof. Sulaiman said the initiative reflects the Institute’s commitment to youth empowerment and the belief that investing in young people’s skills and competencies is essential to national development.

He noted that out of the 60 corps members currently serving at NILDS, 44 had expressed interest in participating in the first batch, describing their response as evidence of young people’s readiness to learn and take advantage of opportunities.

The DG explained that the programme would combine practical skills training with entrepreneurship development, mentorship, and exposure to business opportunities, enabling participants to create value and pursue viable careers beyond formal employment.

He stressed that academic qualifications alone were no longer sufficient in an increasingly competitive economy, urging participants to approach the training with commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

Prof. Sulaiman also called on public and private organisations to provide corps members with meaningful opportunities for service and professional development, urging the NYSC to reconsider practices that result in the rejection of corps members posted to organisations

He reaffirmed NILDS’ readiness to support legislative and policy interventions that would strengthen the scheme and improve opportunities for young Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi commended the DG for initiating the programme, describing it as an important investment in the future of the corps members.

Prof. Fawehinmi urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that entrepreneurial skills would remain valuable regardless of whether they secured formal employment. He also pledged the University’s continued institutional support for the initiative and its sustainability.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that about 6,000 students had participated in the University’s entrepreneurship and mentorship programme within the preceding year, underscoring the institution’s commitment to practical skills development and enterprise creation.

Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Student Mentorship, Prof. Adeniran Lateef Ariyo explained that the training would cover areas including digital technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, fashion design, and other vocational skills.

He said the programme would extend beyond skills acquisition to include venture creation, branding, intellectual property, commercialisation, and mentorship, with participants expected to undertake practical assignments and internships.

Prof. Ariyo added that the 12-week programme would feature regular assessments and progress monitoring to track participants’ development and prepare them to apply their skills in real-world settings.

The collaboration underscores the commitment of NILDS and the University of Abuja to strengthening youth capacity, promoting entrepreneurship, and equipping corps members with competencies that can contribute to job creation and national development.