The Nation’s editorial of August 22, 2025, titled “Loan for Corps Members”, shine light on Federal Government’s new policy wey dey target Nigerian youths under National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). TheStreetNewspaper fit confirm say di initiative dey spark plenty talk for public space, but di bigger picture show say e get long-term significance.
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enter office for May 2023, Nigeria economy dey struggle to create space for young people — di largest group for di country. Experts dey warn say any government wey ignore youths go face wahala for political, economic and social stability.
Na why di new scheme, wey join ₦77,000 monthly allowance with ₦200,000 soft loan, dey important. E no be only to cushion corps members during service, but to also give dem small capital wey dem fit use start hustle or business after service.
Already, e don change di game. Plenty corps members dey now agree to serve anywhere across Nigeria, instead of dey stick to dem comfort zone. Dis don help national unity. Federal agencies too don align with di new move.
For example, National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) don already support over 400,000 students with tuition loans for university and technical schools. Same way, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) roll out ₦5 billion grant for young entrepreneurs.
But TheStreetNewspaper note say Federal Government no fit carry di load alone. State and local governments suppose join with scholarships, mentorship and incentives wey go help young innovators.
Dis policy connect with earlier effort like di “Not Too Young To Run” initiative during President Muhammadu Buhari time. Even though dat one no fit break di financial barrier for many young aspirants, Tinubu reforms dey try give dem better economic ground to enter business and politics.
Analysts believe say youths wey dey active for economy and governance go bring fresh ideas wey go strengthen democracy. Nigeria dey called “giant of Africa.” To live up to dat name, di country must use both human and natural resources well — especially di energy of di young population.
TheStreetNewspaper view be say di loan scheme no perfect, but e be commendable first step. Instead of dismiss am, stakeholders suppose strengthen and expand am, so dat Nigerian youths no go miss out for shaping di economic, social and political future of di nation.
