In a statement, the bank disclosed that the partnership was
unveiled at the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony in Abuja.
It noted that the partnership was aimed at enabling smooth
and profitable entry into the labour market for young Nigerians through the
scheme.
The NYSC-ALAT Accelerator Programme is an initiative
targeted at equipping youth under the NYSC, including skills acquisition, job
acquisition and career development, to reduce unemployment and underemployment
rates, thereby stimulating economic performance and national development.
According to Wema Bank, the programme will empower NYSC
members with grants and funding to help them build sustainable streams of
income, and provide digital training in areas such as design thinking,
artificial intelligence, programming languages, and content creation, in
collaboration with Microsoft.
It added that participants would also access mentorship
opportunities and undergo a business plan competition to not only help them
curate the perfect business plan but also substantially reward the best ideas
that foster entrepreneurship and job creation; additionally providing loans for
all participants.
In his address, Wema Bank’s Executive Director of Retail and
Digital, Tunde Mabawonku, highlighted the essence of partnership, saying, “Wema
Bank, with 79 years of financial inclusion, is committed to empowering lives
through innovation. “This partnership with NYSC is a platform for the growth
and development of Nigerian youths, intertwining digital technology with daily
life and driving economic growth. Our vision is to provide the youth with tools
that will accompany them beyond their service year, shaping their career and
adult life.”
Representing the Director-General of NYSC, Mr Ayodele
Omotade, stated the corps’ commitment to driving the programme.
“This MOU signifies our combined efforts towards wealth
creation and the economic advancement of Nigerian youth. With Wema Bank’s
support, we look forward to opening up career opportunities for our members and
contributing to the development of a digitally skilled workforce,” he added.