Conference: Education and Employment By Emmanuel Sixtus
There comes a time people need to come together and discuss with the aim of finding the possible solutions to their numerous problems in a given landscape, and that motivation had triggered a suggestion by the President of Nigeria.
In a courageous stride towards solving the pressing problems confronting Nigeria’s youth, President Bola Tinubu has thought out a visionary plan for a National Youth Conference.
This seminal event is poised to attract or gather a diverse array of young leaders, activists, and stakeholders from every corner of the country, irrespective of religion and cultural differences, honing in on pivotal landscapes such as education, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship—critical arenas for Nigeria’s burgeoning youth demographic.
The move, unveiled during Tinubu’s impassioned Independence Day address, comes at a critical juncture. As Nigeria marks with pride its 64th year of independence, the nation finds itself struggling with substantial economic hurdles—high unemployment and high inflation—that massively affect its younger citizens. In his speech, Tinubu acknowledged these daunting challenges and reaffirmed the government’s unrelenting commitment to confronting them head-on.
Catalysing the Conference
President Tinubu noted that the upcoming conference would go beyond mere dialogue, evolving into a powerful catalyst for tangible solutions. “The destiny of this nation lies within the hands of our youth. This conference is an integral part of our holistic strategy to engage them in crafting the policies that shape their futures,” he declared. He underscored the Nigerian government’s resolve to collaborate with youth-led initiatives, aiming to spark innovation, create jobs, and broaden access to quality education.
Insider whispers suggest that the conference will prioritise the cultivation of digital skills and technological innovations—domains where Nigerian youth have exhibited remarkable prowess on the global stage. By tapping into the vast potential of its youthful populace, the government seeks to usher in a transformative era of economic resurgence and stability.
Solving Unemployment and Talent Drain
Youth unemployment looms as one of Nigeria’s most formidable challenges, with a staggering 42% of young individuals reportedly jobless. The Tinubu administration has been vocal in its commitment to surmounting this crisis, viewing the conference as a vital approach to engaging youth within productive economic spheres.
Unemployment continues to be a problem that is proving difficult to solve with more people losing their jobs. Nothing significant has been done to mainly focus on unemployment in the country, with the youths rather embracing Japan.
Moreover, the rising trend of skilled Nigerians pursuing opportunities overseas has sparked concern among policymakers. Dubbed the “brain drain,” this exodus of talent threatens the long-term economic and social fabric of Nigeria. The Tinubu administration is poised to harness the conference to unveil fresh initiatives aimed at curbing this talent flight while attracting investments in sectors capable of delivering sustainable employment.
Hope on the Plane
While the National Youth Conference remains in its formative stages, its announcement has already sparked a wave of optimism among youth organisations and civil society groups. Many are eager for this dialogue to produce concrete outcomes that bolster the economic landscape for young Nigerians.
As the nation continues to navigate a complex tapestry of economic reforms and societal challenges, the emphasis on youth empowerment heralds a pivotal shift in policy—one that, if executed with finesse, could redefine the trajectory for Nigeria’s next generation.
This initiative encapsulates Tinubu’s dedication to harmonising his administration’s vision with the aspirations of millions of young Nigerians who yearn not just for promises but for practical solutions to the economic adversities they face daily.
It’s one thing to take all the time in the world to discuss what needs to be done, but doing it is another problem. Most of the time, the country has embraced suggestions without action, making most of the conferences and brainstorming gatherings formalities.
