TAO, NYSC Design Framework to Transform Scheme into a Thriving Economy

News in Brief:

—NYSC and TAO have developed a framework to transform the national service scheme into a youth-driven economic ecosystem focused on job creation, entrepreneurship and wealth generation.

—At a two-day strategy workshop in Abuja, stakeholders explored opportunities in agriculture, technology and public-private partnerships.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in collaboration with The Agriculture Option (TAO), a youth-focused agricultural transformation company, has developed a framework to transform the scheme into a vibrant economic ecosystem.

At a two-day strategy workshop in Abuja, NYSC officials, corps members, private-sector players and representatives of government agencies explored ways to leverage the scheme’s vast youth population to drive economic growth. Participants included directors, assistant directors, coordinators and other stakeholders.

The workshop, themed “Reimagining NYSC as a Thriving Society and Economy,” featured discussions on integrating TAO’s innovation-driven agricultural ecosystem with the national service programme to build a youth-led economy capable of creating jobs and wealth.

Positioning NYSC as an Economic Force

Speaking at the event, TAO Managing Director, Mr Femi Adeniyi, described the NYSC as a unique economic asset, noting that its estimated population of over 600,000 corps members at any given time exceeds that of several countries, including the Republic of Maldives, with an estimated population of about 531,000 people.

He argued that while countries with smaller populations have measurable economies, the same perspective has not traditionally been applied to the NYSC, despite its ability to produce, consume and contribute to national development.

“Imagine a population with the most agile physique and with a high literacy level and tech skills provided with the necessary opportunities, support, network and platform; the result of such an experiment will not only be phenomenal but also a catalyst for greater achievements. This is what the partnership between the organisations in the workshop will bring about,” Adeniyi said.

Representing the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, Chief Chiwendu Chukwu emphasised that national service goes beyond a one-year programme and serves as a platform for leadership, impact and nation-building. He stressed the importance of strategic partnerships that provide corps members with skills and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Mr Abe Dankaro Ashumate, Director of Ventures Management at NYSC, said collaborations with organisations such as TAO would help ensure corps members emerge from service either employable or equipped to build successful enterprises. He noted that the scheme occupies a strategic position between university graduation and productive participation in the economy.

Agriculture and Technology Opportunities for Youth

Mr Olusola Omole, Managing Partner and Co-founder of AgLane Nigeria Limited, highlighted the need to place young people at the centre of national agricultural investments. According to him, exposing youths to opportunities across the agricultural value chain would encourage productive participation in the sector.

Similarly, education technology entrepreneur and Schoolinka founder, Mr Oluwaseun Kayode, described access to technology as a major opportunity for young Nigerians. The 2025 Mandela Washington Fellow said digital tools could help corps members become globally competitive, adding that “access is wealth” and that TAO’s programmes can help create the next generation of wealth creators.

Representing NIRSAL Plc, Fahad Adamu outlined the institution’s role in reducing investment risks in youth-focused agricultural enterprises. He explained that credit risk guarantees make it easier for companies supporting youth-led ventures to secure financing from commercial banks and investors.

Public policy strategist and youth development advocate, Dr Niyi Ojuolape, also led an interactive session on harnessing the demographic dividend of the NYSC. He discussed practical ways corps members can turn their service year into opportunities while addressing common challenges that hinder success.

Corps Members Seek More Opportunities

During a panel discussion, corps members identified increased income and access to opportunities as the most pressing needs among their peers. Responding, Deputy Director of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), Mrs Chinyere Eze, urged them to take advantage of opportunities available during the orientation camp and throughout their service year.

Also on the panel, Mr Obinna Onwuasoanya, editor of The Junction, noted that TAO offers opportunities beyond farming, including processing, sales and marketing. He added that discussions were ongoing to expand the adoption of SAED programmes beyond agriculture.

Mrs Chris-Moneke Chika Tochi, NYSC State Coordinator in Kogi State, highlighted the role of local governments and the scheme in promoting last-mile development. According to her, corps members have sustained many community schools by providing graduate teachers to areas that struggle to attract qualified personnel.

Meanwhile, TAO’s Head of Product, Mr Adedeji Edun, explained that the company’s mobile application was designed around users’ needs and would continue to evolve through feedback.

He demonstrated features of the platform, including a digital academy, microfinance services for grants and loans, a marketplace for agricultural inputs, monitoring and evaluation tools, media and intelligence services, and social networking features tailored to the NYSC ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Partnership

Mr Ekenechukwu Aloefuna, Co-founder and President of the Information Marketing and Management Institute (IMMI), stressed the need for safe, transparent and compliant public-private partnerships in national programmes.

Omomia Omosomi, Lead Economist and Researcher at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), underscored the importance of strong governance, trusted leadership, mutual accountability and transparent macroeconomic frameworks for the success of collaborative initiatives. She noted that these principles would be essential to the long-term success of the NYSC-TAO partnership.

On the second day of the workshop, participants were divided into six thematic workstreams to develop practical recommendations for implementing and sustaining the collaboration.

The discussions focused on onboarding and participation strategies, digital platform adoption and user experience, legal and regulatory frameworks, product development, branding and engagement, technology and systems integration, security, sustainability and long-term impact.

The sessions were designed to move beyond broad conversations and generate actionable insights that will guide the partnership’s implementation and help reposition the NYSC as a catalyst for youth-driven economic development.

Read the full report on recommendations here.