YOUNG NIGERIANS AND THEIR ASPIRATIONS

The United Nations has designated 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations' as the theme for the 2026 International Youth Day, a day being observed today. Despite this global focus on solidarity, Nigeria appears to be falling short in its efforts to empower its youth. According to the UN population prediction, by 2050, three of the world's ten most populous countries will be in Africa, with a quarter of them in Nigeria.

This rapid population growth is straining the country's limited infrastructure and contributing to poor living standards.

For decades, Nigeria has struggled to provide enough jobs for its growing population, resulting in millions of young Nigerians facing severe economic hardship and poverty. The UN highlights that young people around the world face common challenges, including limited access to quality education, barriers to decent work, unequal digital connectivity, climate change, social exclusion, and mental health concerns.

However, these same young people are also driving innovative solutions through entrepreneurship, digital technologies, community action, climate adaptation, and social innovation.

Nigeria's failure to invest in its youth is evident in the increasing numbers of out-of-school children and unemployed graduates. The education sector's poor output further exacerbates the unemployment crisis, as the nation continues to produce youth unprepared for a technology-driven world. In July 2021, the World Bank published a report warning about the nation's expanding working-age population combined with scarce domestic employment opportunities and dwindling resources.

This combination of rising unemployment, booming demography, and unfulfilled aspirations is leading to an increasing number of young Nigerians migrating overseas in search of better job prospects.

President Bola Tinubu attributes the high unemployment rate to a rapidly growing population outpacing job opportunities creation. He argues that the solution lies in supporting small businesses, rather than encouraging young people to seek opportunities abroad. While we hope the federal government and 36 state authorities will collaborate to address this youth unemployment crisis, Nigeria must also consider the implications of a population growth that is not matched by significant socio-economic development.

A population that continues to swell without corresponding development can only lead to societal chaos. Therefore, on this International Youth Day, we urge the government to create policies that will enhance the productive capacities of Nigeria's young people.