Politics
By Franca Ofili,
IN a nation as vibrant as Nigeria, young people hold the key to a brighter future.
With over 60 per cent of the population under 25, Nigeria boasts one of the largest youth demographics globally.
This presents a tremendous opportunity for national growth and development.
However, analysts argue that unlocking this potential requires more than traditional education; it calls for life skills, quality education, and community engagement.
Although Nigeria has abundant resources, many young people face many challenges.
Poverty, limited access to quality education, unemployment, and a lack of mentorship hinder their progress.
According to UNICEF, nearly 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, the highest globally.
For those in school, rote memorisation dominates the curriculum, leaving students without the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills required for modern life.
In addition, societal issues such as substance abuse, peer pressure, and inadequate social support systems further exacerbate the situation.
These challenges reveal the need for a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond academics to foster personal growth and community involvement.
For instance, Dr Femi Oritsejafor, an education policy expert, has emphasised the importance of transforming Nigeria’s education system.
“The future of Nigeria depends on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
“This shift is crucial for equipping young people to thrive in a competitive global economy,” he noted.
According to Oritsejafor, life skills education offers a powerful solution.
“These skills, ranging from self-awareness and emotional regulation to communication and resilience, enable individuals to make informed decisions and build healthy relationships.
“For instance, programmes like the Mind Builders Initiative in Lagos integrate life skills workshops into school curricula, helping students address real-world challenges and make ethical decisions”.
Similarly, psychologist and behavioural expert Mr Adebayo Jamiyu noted the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and communication.
“Incorporating life skills education into the national curriculum will ensure young Nigerians become well-rounded, socially responsible individuals,” he said.
A 2022 ActionAid Nigeria report supports this, showing that life skills education enhances employability and reduces youth involvement in crime by fostering responsibility and self-reliance.
Moreover, community engagement plays a vital role in unlocking youth potential.
Initiatives such as the Youth for Community Impact Project in Kano empower young people to lead campaigns on sanitation, environmental conservation, and health awareness.
Social development expert Dr Emmanuel Mailafia asserts that community projects provide young people with a sense of purpose and ownership while fostering leadership and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, mentorship initiatives like those run by the Tony Elumelu Foundation provide young Nigerians with career guidance, entrepreneurial training, and life planning.
These programmes demonstrate that investing in youth yields significant returns, including poverty reduction, improved literacy, and increased innovation.
To address decades of youth neglect, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, recently unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to empower young Nigerians.
“It’s time for the youth to progress after being overlooked for over 40 years,” he declared, commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing a youth to head the ministry.
According to Olawande, key initiatives under this roadmap include the Youth Bank, Youth Trust Fund, Nigerian Youth Academy, and the One Youth, Two Skills programme.
“The Nigerian Youth Academy, launching in January, will offer online learning opportunities in multiple languages, bridging gaps between urban and rural areas.
“The government also plans to establish greenhouses in every local government to promote entrepreneurship.
“Every community has unique resources, and we’re harnessing them to drive economic growth,” he added.
Furthermore, the Youth Activities Dashboard, an interactive platform designed to track youth empowerment initiatives, aims to enhance transparency and provide young Nigerians with direct access to government programmes.
The Federal Government’s National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP), launched in 2024, aims to reduce youth unemployment by 20 per cent and increase youth-led enterprises by 50 per cent within five years.
With 110 billion Naira allocated, the programme provides grants, loans, and mentorship for youth-led businesses in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and digital technology.
Dr Jamila Ibrahim, former Minister of Youth Development, highlighted the inclusivity of these programmes.
“Fifty per cent of participants will be female, with pathways for young women to excel in technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
“Persons with disabilities will also have full access to training,” she explained.
As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, these initiatives aim to equip five million Nigerian youth with employable skills, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
However, analysts argue that sustainable impact requires collaboration among the government, private sector, and international organisations.
Programmes like UNICEF’s U-Report and Teach for Nigeria are already improving teacher quality and curriculum delivery in underserved communities.
Ultimately, unlocking Nigeria’s youth potential demands a collective effort from parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders.
Stakeholders believe that life skills education, combined with active community engagement, provides a robust framework for tackling systemic challenges and empowering the next generation.
With the right investments, Nigeria can transform its young people into a demographic dividend, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future. (NANFeatures)
9th January, 2025.
C.E.
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