By: Abubakar Shamsudeen
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of development, it’s easy to overlook the most critical factor in its future success: its young people. With over 60% of the population under the age of 25, Nigeria’s youth are not just the future – they’re the present.
However, this demographic dividend is often seen as a curse rather than a blessing. We lament the high levels of youth unemployment, the rise of cybercrime, and the perceived laziness of the younger generation. But what if we’re looking at this the wrong way? What if, instead of seeing youth as a problem to be solved, we saw them as the solution?
To unlock the potential of our young people, we need to start by revolutionizing our education system. Our curriculum must be revamped to focus on skills that will be relevant in the 21st century – coding, critical thinking, and creativity.
This will enable them to navigate the complexities of the modern world with ease. Moreover, providing opportunities for vocational training and apprenticeships will allow young people to learn by doing, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.
In addition to education, empowering young people to take ownership of their lives is crucial. This involves providing access to healthcare, mental health support, and mentorship programs, which will enable them to make informed decisions about their lives.
Creating safe spaces for them to express themselves, innovate, and take risks will also help to unleash their creativity and potential.
Furthermore, unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit of our young people is vital for driving economic growth and innovation.
By providing funding, resources, and support for start-ups and small businesses, we can encourage innovation and experimentation, even if it means tolerating a few failures along the way.
Ultimately, an educated, empowered, and entrepreneurial youth population would drive economic growth, social progress, and political stability. They would be the ones to solve Nigeria’s most pressing problems – from climate change to corruption. So, let’s change the narrative. Let’s stop seeing youth as a problem and start seeing them as the solution.
By investing in their potential and unleashing their power, we can create a brighter future for Nigeria.