By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has introduced a three-month skills development programme to prepare corps members for employment and entrepreneurship after national service.
The programme, initiated by NILDS Director-General, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, is being implemented in partnership with the University of Abuja’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Students’ Mentorship.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja on Friday, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, urged participants to acquire practical skills that could help them explore opportunities beyond conventional paid employment.
Fawehinmi said the university had trained about 6,000 students through its entrepreneurship and mentorship programmes over the past year, noting that some beneficiaries had established businesses and began generating income.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to sustaining the partnership with NILDS.
The Institute’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, Olalere Moshood, said the programme fulfilled a pledge made by professor Sulaiman during an engagement with corps members on July 29, 2026.
According to him, the NILDS boss had promised to increase Corps members allowances, which had been implemented and introduce development opportunities
The Director of the University of Abuja’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Students’ Mentorship, Professor Lateef Adeniran, said the programme would provide 240 hours of training over three months.
The courses include artificial intelligence, machine learning, website development, fashion design and other vocational disciplines.
Participants will also learn venture creation, branding, intellectual property and commercialisation.
“The training would combine practical instruction with mentorship and internship opportunities in relevant industries”.
The organisers will also monitor participants’ progress and performance throughout the programme.
Some of the participants promised to apply the skills learnt in building their careers, expand businesses and generate revenue.
A participant Abdulrahman Abdulrahman, who selected artificial intelligence and machine learning, said he intended to apply the knowledge to supply chain analysis, particularly demand forecasting, inventory optimisation and logistics.
Also Onyebuchi Princess Chidinma, an aspiring fashion entrepreneur who already makes dresses, promised to use the business lessons to expand her venture and improve productivity.
Meanwhile, Precious Edema, who enrolled in videography, said she planned to earn an income through mobile video production and meet the growing demand for digital content globally.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Chidema thanked NILDS for the initiative and pledged their commitment to the training.
The participants said they hoped to turn the skills acquired into viable careers and businesses after completing their national service.
