Nigeria's Youth Population: Challenges and Opportunities for the Nation's Future Leaders

Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people, is often referred to as the "Giant of Africa." However, what is not often discussed is the fact that Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world. According to the United Nations, about 60% of Nigeria's population is under the age of 25. This means that Nigeria's future lies in the hands of its youth population. However, this young population also poses some significant challenges to the nation's future leaders. In this article, we will examine some of these challenges and opportunities and explore what can be done to create a brighter future for Nigeria.

Challenges Facing Nigeria's Youth Population

Unemployment

One of the most significant challenges facing Nigeria's youth population is unemployment. The country's unemployment rate has been on the rise in recent years, with the youth being the most affected. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate among Nigerian youths between the ages of 15 and 34 was 34.9% as of Q3 2020. This high rate of unemployment is a significant concern as it has far-reaching consequences, including poverty, crime, and a lack of productivity.

Poor Education System

Another challenge facing Nigeria's youth population is the poor state of the country's education system. The education system in Nigeria is characterized by inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, and a lack of qualified teachers. These factors have contributed to a high number of out-of-school children and low literacy rates among young people. According to UNESCO, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children out of school.

Insecurity

Insecurity is a significant challenge facing Nigeria's youth population, particularly in the northern part of the country. The rise of terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime has made life difficult for many young people in the affected regions. The lack of security has also discouraged foreign investors, resulting in a lack of job opportunities and economic growth.

Corruption

Corruption is a pervasive problem in Nigeria that affects virtually all sectors of the economy, including education, healthcare, and politics. The effects of corruption are far-reaching, and young people are often the most affected. Corruption undermines the rule of law and erodes the trust that people have in the government, making it difficult to attract foreign investment and create job opportunities.

Opportunities for Nigeria's Youth Population

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements have created new opportunities for Nigeria's youth population. The growth of the internet and social media has made it possible for young people to connect with people from all over the world and access information that was previously unavailable. This has opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.

Natural Resources

Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, coal, and agricultural land. The exploitation of these resources has the potential to create job opportunities for young people and drive economic growth. The government needs to invest in infrastructure and create policies that encourage the growth of industries that can utilize these resources and create jobs for young people.

Demographic Dividend

Nigeria's large youth population can be a source of strength for the country. If the right policies are put in place, this demographic dividend can be harnessed to drive economic growth and development. Young people can be trained and equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to job creation and economic growth.

Diaspora

Nigeria has a large diaspora population that has the potential to contribute to the country's development. Many young Nigerians living abroad are highly educated and have valuable skills and expertise that can be utilized to drive innovation and economic growth. The government can create policies and incentives to attract the diaspora back to Nigeria, such as providing job opportunities and investment incentives.

What Can Be Done?

To create a brighter future for Nigeria's youth population, there are several steps that can be taken:

Improve the Education System

The government needs to invest more in the education system to improve the quality of education and increase enrollment rates. This can be achieved by providing more funding for schools, improving infrastructure, and training more qualified teachers.

Create Job Opportunities

The government needs to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and create job opportunities for young people. This can be achieved by improving the ease of doing business, reducing the cost of starting and running a business, and providing incentives for investors.

Tackle Corruption

Corruption is a significant impediment to economic growth and development. The government needs to take a more proactive approach in tackling corruption by strengthening institutions, enforcing anti-corruption laws, and holding corrupt officials accountable.

Harness Technological Advancements

The government needs to invest in technology and innovation to harness the potential of Nigeria's large youth population. This can be achieved by providing training and support for young entrepreneurs, creating incubators and accelerators, and investing in research and development.

Address Insecurity

The government needs to take decisive action to address insecurity in the country. This can be achieved by investing in security infrastructure, improving intelligence gathering, and increasing cooperation with other countries in the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent crime.

Conclusion

Nigeria's large youth population presents both challenges and opportunities for the country's future leaders. The challenges include unemployment, a poor education system, insecurity, and corruption. However, the opportunities presented by technological advancements, natural resources, demographic dividends, and the diaspora are enormous. To create a brighter future for Nigeria's youth population, the government needs to invest in education, create job opportunities, tackle corruption, harness technological advancements, and address insecurity. By doing so, Nigeria can tap into the potential of its young population and achieve sustainable economic growth and development.