NYSC DG urges NDA to incorporate skills acquisition for cadets’ self-reliance

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The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has called on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to include skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programs in its curriculum.

Ahmed made this suggestion during the NDA’s 22nd Convocation Lecture on Tuesday in Kaduna to honor the graduating cadets of the 71 Regular Course and Post-Graduate students.

Speaking at the event, themed NYSC and Skills Acquisition for Youth Development in Nigeria: A Panacea to National Security, Ahmed emphasized the importance of this initiative.

He said, “This integration is crucial as the NYSC will be ready to partner with the academy in this initiative.”

He further highlighted the potential use of the academy’s extensive land for agricultural production, which would provide cadets with practical skills.

“This initiative will not only promote sustainable land use, but will also provide cadets with practical agricultural skills, contributing to the overall training and self-sufficiency,” he explained.

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Ahmed also recommended introducing skills acquisition programs at the academy’s Post-Graduate School to complement academic learning, enhance employability, and promote self-reliance.

He underscored the role of skills acquisition in national security, stating, “If someone is engaged and has something to do, he will not be thinking of doing evil against his country. What is most important is for everyone to have a skill for himself for the development of the country.”

In response, NDA Commandant Maj.-Gen. John Ochai appreciated the lecture, noting its relevance to national development.

He remarked, “The lecture was an eye-opener for every individual to take it as a responsibility. Apart from university education, to also acquire a skill in an area of chosen particular area that one is gifted.”

He added, “In doing so, they will be useful to themselves, the society, and they will contribute to the national economy.”