The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, has called on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to integrate skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programs into its curriculum.
Ahmed made this appeal during the NDA’s 22nd Convocation Lecture, honoring the graduating cadets of the 71 Regular Course and Post-Graduate students in Kaduna on Tuesday. The lecture was titled “NYSC and Skills Acquisition for Youth Development in Nigeria: A Panacea to National Security.”
He emphasized the importance of this integration, stating that NYSC is prepared to collaborate with the NDA on this initiative. “The extensive land available at the NDA should be utilized for agricultural production, which will not only promote sustainable land use but also equip cadets with practical agricultural skills, enhancing their overall training and self-sufficiency,” he noted.
Ahmed also suggested that the academy’s Post-Graduate School introduce a skill acquisition program for its students, highlighting that such initiatives would provide students with practical skills that complement their academic studies, thus improving their employability and self-reliance.
He underscored the link between skills acquisition and national security, saying, “When individuals are engaged and have meaningful activities, they are less likely to consider harmful actions against their country. It is essential for everyone to possess skills that contribute to national development.”
In response, NDA Commandant Maj.-Gen. John Ochai expressed gratitude to Ahmed for his insightful lecture, which he described as pivotal in underscoring the role of skills acquisition in national growth. He encouraged individuals to embrace skill development alongside formal education, stating that this would enhance their contributions to society and the national economy.
