NITDA to deploy NYSC technology solutions across MDAs

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to promote and deploy technology solutions developed by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), in a move aimed at deepening innovation and creating jobs.

Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE disclosed this on Thursday during the commissioning of the agency’s Innovation Space and the showcase of solutions developed under its Idea2Impact programme at its headquarters in Abuja.

Inuwa said the agency had already identified viable solutions created by corps members and would begin deploying some internally, while also supporting the innovators to commercialise their products for adoption by other government institutions.

According to the DG, the event, which featured live demonstrations of functional digital solutions developed by Challenge 1.0 teams, was part of the agency’s efforts to transform ideas into market-ready products and strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Inuwa noted that millions of young Nigerians enter the labour market annually, stressing the need for practical skills and innovation-driven opportunities.

He explained that programme is designed to equip corps members with the tools to solve real-life problems while positioning themselves for career growth.

“We are going to start using one of the solutions here at NITDA, and we are going to promote them, encourage them to set up companies and even market their solutions for other MDAs to patronise.

“In your career progression, you need to create visibility. You need to stand out and get noticed. If you don’t, nobody will come and chase you,” he stated.

Inuwa further revealed that some corps members had already developed artificial intelligence-driven tools aligned with NITDA’s digital transformation agenda, noting that such innovations would be adopted to improve internal operations.

NITDA warns Nigerians as ChatGPT vulnerabilities threaten data security

The NITDA boss disclosed that the agency receives about 700 corps members yearly, almost double its workforce, and leverages the opportunity to train them, promote lifelong learning and guide them toward building viable startups or securing employment.

He explained that the newly commissioned Innovation Space would serve as a collaborative hub for young developers to refine ideas and build scalable digital solutions before completing their service year.

Th DG also revealed ongoing discussions with NYSC to expand the initiative nationwide, using the scheme as a platform for capacity building and innovation.

“The idea is that before you finish your NYSC year at NITDA, you have two opportunities: to either build your business or do something exceptional that can earn you a role with the agency,” he added.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, commended the initiative, describing it as a pathway to unlocking the potential of young Nigerians.

“The initiative is a viable one. It opens doors of opportunity for these young people,” he said, urging both public and private organisations to create platforms that enable corps members to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Nafiu added that the NYSC was exploring deeper collaboration with NITDA, including integrating some of the showcased solutions into its operations nationwide to enhance efficiency in areas such as verification and service management.

The event also featured the recognition of participating teams and mentors, a guided tour of the Innovation Space, and the unveiling of Challenge 2.0, alongside a training manual for corps members and IT students.