A civil society group, the Students Electoral Voice, under the platform of the Campus Civic Summit Nigeria, has highlighted four priority areas of students in the country for the newly elected government officials and members of the 10th National Assembly.
In a statement, the Converner of the SEV, Abiye Alambo Briggs, said a poll conducted among students across the country, revealed that the students’ priorities included job creation, education reforms, boosting the economy, and youth empowerment.
“The poll conducted by The Students Electoral Voice provided invaluable insights into the aspirations and concerns of students nationwide. As such, we wish to draw the attention of the Federal Government and the legislators to the key priorities that emerged from our poll: job creation, tertiary education curriculum reform, boosting the economy, and youth empowerment”, he said.
Briggs argued that by creating an enabling environment to support small and medium enterprises, the Government could create ample opportunities to address unemployment in the country.
He added that a reformed curriculum for tertiary institutions would also ensure that students are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge they need in their chosen fields.
“First and foremost, we urge the Federal Government and the legislators to prioritize robust job creation initiatives. By creating an enabling environment that attracts investments, supports entrepreneurship, and empowers small and medium-sized enterprises, we can generate ample employment opportunities for young graduates and address the pressing issue of youth unemployment across the nation.
We advocate for the enhancement of higher education curricula to align them with industry demands, ensuring that graduates are equipped with practical skills and knowledge that can propel them to excel in their chosen fields. This reform will significantly enhance graduates’ employability and contribute to the overall development of our nation”.
The group further called for youth empowerment initiatives, that will “provide skill development opportunities, mentorship programs, and platforms for active youth participation in decision-making processes”, adding that investing in the youth will harness their potential to ensure sustainable development across all sectors.
The SEV also charged the media to engage in open dialogue with student representatives, advocacy groups, and relevant stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on these concerns.
They also called for members of the executive and legislature in the current administration to engage to incorporate the recommendations in their policy formations, adding that “we firmly believe that by incorporating these priorities into their policy frameworks and actively engaging with students, the Executive and legislators can pave the way for a prosperous and inclusive future for our beloved nation”.
