Nigerian youths have called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, to introduce entrepreneurial and innovation skills into the national curriculum.
They say such skills will equip young people with the tools needed for self-development and job creation, thereby reducing unemployment in the country.
This call was made during the launch of the Good Governance Advocacy Programme tagged #VoiceHearingAction and the National Youth Summit, themed “Voice for Peace: Empowering Youth Towards a Better Nigeria”, organised by My Care Life Foundation in Abuja.
The event brought together diverse stakeholders, including youth advocates and government representatives from various sectors, to discuss national policies affecting young people.
Speaking at the event, Convener of My Care Life Foundation, Mr. Thomas Sylvanus, emphasized the need to integrate entrepreneurship into the educational curriculum at all levels—from primary to tertiary institutions.
“Many youths go to school and graduate with vast knowledge, yet have no platforms to apply their skills. If we can start teaching entrepreneurship and innovation early, young Nigerians will grow up with the mindset to create opportunities, not wait for government white-collar jobs,” he said.
Sylvanus described the Good Governance Advocacy Youth and Creativity Initiative as a national programme aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and policy reforms for a stronger regulatory system in Nigeria.
He stressed that Nigeria still has a long way to go in achieving social inclusion.
“Based on our research, one of the major challenges facing young people in Nigeria is the lack of favorable policy reforms,” he noted.
According to him, although many young Nigerians are talented and creative, they lack the platforms and startup capital to launch their ideas.
“We need inclusive policies that allow youths—both male and female—to actively participate in decision-making processes that shape governance.”
Sylvanus also lamented the lack of access to funding for young tech-savvy Nigerians, especially those interested in ICT and Artificial Intelligence.
“Before a young entrepreneur can even raise a million naira to start a small business, it’s a major struggle. Government must introduce grant programmes to support youth-led startups and contribute to national economic sustainability,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director of Youth Research, Engagement, and Inclusion at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Oyema Blessing Ngozi, urged young people to leverage social media platforms to campaign for positive change and connect ideas that can unlock their full potential.
She encouraged youths to prioritize personal development, both academically and skill-wise, so they can hold government accountable effectively, rather than seeking opportunities abroad through the “JAPA syndrome.”
“I urge Nigerian youths to equip themselves educationally and develop innovative ideas that will help build a better future for themselves and the nation,” she said.
