As discussions about the proposed youth conference under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration continue to gain traction, young Nigerians have voiced their aspirations and concerns about the nation’s future.
Guests on the Inside Sources program with Laolu Akande on Channels TV on Friday articulated a shared vision: a Nigeria that works for its youth.
Khaleed Ajibola, a public affairs analyst and student, emphasized the urgent need for investment in technology and education. He highlighted the significant role young people play in the country, noting that over 60% of Nigeria’s population consists of youth.
“Youths are more than 60% of the population. If we are going to make or break the country, educating us is the least the Nigerian government can do. If not, the repercussions can be severe. Because a hungry man is an angry man,” he stated.
Ajibola also called for the adoption of advanced technology to tackle national security and infrastructure issues. “I’m talking about using drones to secure the borders and safeguard national infrastructure. Everybody agrees that national infrastructure is not where it’s supposed to be. It’s getting destroyed and damaged by miscreants. We need more tech to help us.”
He further urged the government to prioritize power, stating, “Government can track especially national infrastructure. Power should be a bit more on the highest priority.”
Darasimi Fadaunsi, a law student, outlined the need to address fundamental challenges before envisioning broader goals for the future. She pointed to security, energy, healthcare, and education as pivotal areas for reform.
“If we are able to solve our energy problems in terms of constant electricity, I think it can concern so many projects for the future,” she explained. “It could support the increasing digitalization that is happening globally. It can also support the agriculture industry.”
Policy researcher Emmanuella Arikpo expressed frustration over the gap between policy promises and implementation. She highlighted the shared aspirations of young Nigerians for a country that supports their potential and provides security and opportunities.
“I don’t think young people’s aspirations in 2025 are any different than what the average Nigerian wants. We are at the prime of our lives. It’s a different thing when you live in a country, and everything works for you,” Arikpo said. “That’s why most people want to run to America. In Nigeria, you wake up every day and you feel like the country is trying to kill you.”
She underscored the importance of actionable policies, saying, “It’s not enough to say you want young people to come and express themselves. How much of our talking gets to work? How much of these policies get to work for us?”
Arikpo also criticized the high unemployment rate among Nigerian graduates, despite their qualifications. “I can’t graduate from the University of Lagos, have a 4.0, and then come out of school, and I’m looking for a job.”
