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In recent years, Nigeria has recognized the critical importance of empowering its youth population. With over 60% of the country’s population under the age of 25, investing in young people’s skills, education, and opportunities is crucial for the nation’s economic and social development.
This blog post explores various initiatives and programs aimed at empowering Nigerian youths, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed and contribute back to the country.
Ways by which Nigerian youths are being empowered
Here are some of the ways by which youths in Nigeria are being empowered:
1. Skill Acquisition Programmes
Skill acquisition programs play a vital role in equipping Nigerian youth with practical, marketable skills. These programs focus on both traditional and modern skill sets, helping young people become more employable or start their own businesses.
One notable example is the N-Power program, launched by the Federal Government in 2016. This initiative aims to address youth unemployment by providing beneficiaries with skills, tools, and livelihood opportunities. As of 2021, over 500,000 Nigerian youths have benefited from various N-Power components, including N-Teach, N-Health, and N-Agro.
Additionally, organizations like LEAP Africa and FATE Foundation offer entrepreneurship training programs that have empowered thousands of young Nigerians with business skills and mentorship opportunities.
2. Private and Governmental Initiatives
Both private sector companies and government agencies are actively involved in youth empowerment efforts across Nigeria.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) is a prime example of private sector involvement. Since its inception in 2015, TEEP has provided training, mentorship, and seed capital to over 10,000 young African entrepreneurs, with a significant number being Nigerians.
On the governmental side, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has initiated several youth-focused programs. The Agri-Business Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) provides loans to youth entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
3. National or State Schemes like NYSC
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) remains one of the most impactful youth empowerment schemes in Nigeria. Established in 1973, the NYSC program mandates that all graduates under 30 years of age serve their country for one year. This scheme not only promotes national unity but also provides young graduates with valuable work experience and opportunities for skill development.
In recent years, the NYSC has enhanced its empowerment offerings. The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, introduced in 2012, trains corps members in various vocational skills.
4. Inclusion of Skill Acquisition in School Curriculum
Recognizing the importance of early skill development, many Nigerian educational institutions have begun incorporating skill acquisition into their curricula.
The Federal Government, through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has mandated the inclusion of entrepreneurship education in all higher education institutions. This policy ensures that students graduate with not only academic knowledge but also practical skills to navigate the job market or start their own businesses.
For instance, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has established a Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, which offers various skill acquisition programs to students alongside their regular academic courses.
5. Through Sporting Activities
Sports have emerged as a powerful tool for youth empowerment in Nigeria. Beyond the physical and health benefits, sports programs provide opportunities for leadership development, teamwork, and even potential careers.
The Making of Champions (MoC) Track Club, founded in 2013, is an excellent example of how sports can empower youth. This initiative identifies and nurtures young athletic talent, providing them with world-class training and education. Several MoC athletes have gone on to represent Nigeria in international competitions, including the Olympics.
Moreover, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has intensified its youth development programs. The NFF-Zenith Bank Future Eagles Program, launched in 2016, focuses on discovering and developing young football talents across the country.
6. Offer of Bursaries/Scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries play a crucial role in empowering Nigerian youth by providing access to quality education that might otherwise be out of reach.
The Nigerian government, through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB), offers various scholarship schemes for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. In 2022, the FSB awarded scholarships to over 5,000 Nigerian students for both local and international studies.
Private organizations also contribute significantly to this area. The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and its joint venture partners have awarded over 10,000 secondary school scholarships and 5,000 university scholarships to Nigerian students since 2011.
Moreover, state governments across Nigeria offer bursaries to their indigenes. For instance, the Lagos State Scholarship Board provides annual bursaries to thousands of Lagos State indigenes studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. They are also essay competitions open to youths and students.
Wrap-up
The empowerment of Nigerian youths is not a one-man thing: it involves various stakeholders, from government agencies to private sector organizations. Through skill acquisition programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, national service schemes, curriculum enhancements, sports development, and educational support, Nigeria is making significant strides in equipping its young population for the challenges and opportunities of the near future.
Abdulbasit Toriola is a versatile freelance writer. On this blog, he writes keenly about Nigeria and Nigerians who are breaking the odds. He tweets @blackboymusings.
