NITDA activates innovation hub for Corps members becoming digital solution providers

*Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, affirms the ‘NITDA Innovation Space’ initiative is designed to respond to the realities of a changing global economy, where digital skills and innovation now determine youth employability and economic relevance

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a move to further assist Nigerian youths in transitioning from job seekers to entrepreneurs, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a dedicated innovation hub to transform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members into technology-driven solution providers.

It is said that Nigeria has been grappling with a rapidly expanding youth labour force in recent years.

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Known as the “NITDA Innovation Space”, the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency disclosed the innovation hub was officially commissioned at its headquarters, in Abuja, FCT.

The event attracted senior officials of NITDA, the leadership of the NYSC, technology stakeholders, and serving Youth Corps members.

Inuwa: Digital skills, innovation determine employability

In his address on the occasion, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, said the initiative was designed to respond to the realities of a changing global economy, where digital skills and innovation now determine employability and economic relevance.

Inuwa asserted: “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.”

The Director-General of the agency also explained that between 3.5 million and 4 million young Nigerians enter the labour market every year.

According to him, this situation has placed continuous pressure on traditional employment systems while making innovation-driven job creation a national priority.

He equally stated: “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.”

The NITDA Chief Executive further emphasised the importance of career planning and visibility in today’s digital economy.

He said:“You need to have the skills that will help you succeed wherever you find yourself in life.

“And secondly, you need to have a good career plan. A good career plan is something that can answer big questions like ‘Where do you want to be in the next few years?’ And many of us, we don’t think about this.”

Relating a personal experience as a young techpreneur, Inuwa recalled how a voluntary project during his own service year in 2004, where he built a Web site using his NYSC allowance, earned him a ₦1.5 million contract and launched his professional journey.

He recalled: “You need to create visibility. If you stand out, you don’t have to ask for jobs.

Innovation Hub initiative a model for youth empowerment –NYSC Director-General

Earlier, in his remarks at the launch of the NITDA Innovation Hub, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, described the initiative as a model for national development and youth empowerment.

Brigadier-General said: “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.”

The Director-General of NYSC hailed the Corps members for presenting market-ready digital solutions.

He also said the experience reinforced the relevance of the NYSC scheme in a technology-driven era.

He further stated: “The future of this country is here with these youths; we are going back with stories that at NITDA, they are not just accepting corps members; they are transforming them into better Nigerians.”

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