FG Vows to Sustain Investments in Youth Development, Expansion of Economic Opportunities

The Nigerian federal government has pledged to maintain its investment momentum in youth capacity building and the expansion of economic opportunities, signaling a strong focus on the nation's young population. President Bola Tinubu articulated this commitment during the 55th convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

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The future of our country will be shaped not only by government but also by who are prepared to solve problems, create jobs, build industries, and strengthen our democracy.

Tinubu stressed the critical role of Nigerian youths in shaping the nation's future, stating that their knowledge, courage, and integrity are essential for achieving national development goals. He acknowledged the anxieties many young Nigerians feel about their future but assured them that his administration is actively working to ensure they are "productively engaged." The president encouraged them to embrace the future with optimism, highlighting initiatives aimed at promoting the digital economy through expanded tech hubs, digital skills training, and funding for young tech entrepreneurs.

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my administration is doing everything possible to ensure that our youth are productively engaged.

Furthermore, the government plans to repackage the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program to emphasize skills, entrepreneurship, and technology. Tinubu recognized the pivotal role universities play in youth development, not just as graduating institutions but as centers that "shape ideas, destinies and preserve the moral and intellectual foundations upon which nations rise."

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We are promoting digital economy by expanding tech hubs, digital skills training, and providing funding for young tecn entrepreneurs.

The president specifically lauded the current UNN administration, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, for aligning the university's development trajectory with the federal government's "Renewed Hope Agenda." He noted visible improvements in infrastructure, research, global visibility, digital transformation, and governance at UNN. The federal government reiterated its dedication to supporting initiatives that enhance teaching, research, innovation, and infrastructure across all universities, aiming to foster an environment where institutions can thrive and contribute to national growth and global competitiveness.

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We have equally laid out plans to repackaging the NYSC to be skill and entrepreneurship-oriented and technology-driven.