Beyond Certificates: Oyo NYSC Coordinator, Peters Urges Corps Members to Build Skills, Create Wealth

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) State Coordinator in Oyo State, Mr. Kayode Peters, has urged the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I corps members deployed to the state to look beyond academic certificates by acquiring practical skills capable of opening multiple income streams, fostering self-reliance and positioning them as creators of opportunities rather than seekers of employment.

Peters gave the charge while delivering the address of the Acting Director, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme, Mrs. Winifred Shopeka, at the flag-off of the SAED in-camp programme for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin.

He described the programme as a strategic platform for corps members to discover their potential, sharpen their abilities and acquire the entrepreneurial mindset required to navigate the realities of the modern economy.

The address highlighted the wide range of opportunities embedded in the SAED initiative, including entrepreneurship, practical skills acquisition, financial literacy, career readiness and business development.

Corps members were encouraged to maximise platforms such as the Kudimata Youth Capital Market Initiative, Outsource to Nigeria Initiative, NYSC/NNPC Foundation financial literacy initiative, NiYA Gigs and the NYSC SME Toolkit powered by the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, which provides access to entrepreneurship resources throughout the service year.

Earlier, the Head of SAED, Assistant Director Mrs. Adebayo Oluwakemi, expressed appreciation to the State Coordinator for providing an enabling environment for the effective discharge of her responsibilities. She assured the corps members that the in-camp training would expose them to highly skilled professionals and experienced facilitators, urging them to identify with one or two areas of skill development.

She maintained that in an increasingly competitive employment landscape, a certificate alone may not be sufficient, stressing the need for corps members to complement their academic qualifications with practical skills that can translate into sustainable livelihoods.

Adding colour and practical meaning to the message, the SAED Vanguards presented an engaging playlet depicting the consequences of relying solely on academic qualifications while highlighting the possibilities that come with skill acquisition and entrepreneurship.

The presentation reinforced the need for corps members to approach the programme with seriousness, curiosity and a willingness to learn.

The programme climaxed with an inspiring address by motivational speaker, Engr. Orunnile Kolade, who charged the corps members to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, identify opportunities and cultivate the discipline required to transform skills and ideas into viable ventures.

He reminded the corps members that their certificates may open doors, but relevant skills, innovation and enterprise can empower them to walk through those doors, create value and build wealth.