The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has challenged young Nigerians to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century.
Olawande gave the charge while addressing thousands of Nigerian youths during a road show in Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2024 Africa/National Youth Day celebration.
He stressed the critical role of modern skills in securing a brighter future for both individuals and the nation, saying this year’s celebration, with the theme “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century” and subtitled “Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth,” was designed to raise awareness about the importance of relevant skills and resilience in education.
He said skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communication are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.
Olawande strongly advocated for the youth of Nigeria to prioritize the investment of their time and efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies by actively engaging in the pursuit that could significantly enhance their employability in an increasingly competitive job market.
He expressed optimism that, despite Nigeria’s challenges, the country’s large and dynamic youth population has the potential to build a prosperous future.
Olawande, in his first official assignment after his elevation from Minister of State Youth Development to substantive Minister in charge of the Ministry following a recent cabinet reshuffle, said: “Despite our diversity and challenges, we are united by a common goal to build a better Nigeria.
“Our differences—whether political, religious, or ethnic—should not divide us. Instead, we should work together to secure our future, aiming for a Nigeria we can all be proud of,” the Minister said.
He noted the importance of educational reform in addressing the gaps in the current curriculum. He urged collaboration across sectors to ensure that Nigerian youth are equipped with practical skills that match the demands of a changing world.
“Nigerian youth need 21st-century skills to face today’s realities. Education is not just about the classroom but about equipping young people to navigate the world with confidence. We need to rethink our curriculum to focus on practical, relevant skills,” he said.
Reflecting on the past, the Minister highlighted the role of collaborative efforts between youth and educational bodies in guiding students towards a prosperous path. He stressed that building a resilient future for the youth will require continuous commitment and systemic change.
He emphasized, “A Rome wasn’t built in a day, and transforming our education system won’t happen overnight. We must address challenges from the roots, starting with a renewed focus on primary and secondary education that emphasizes mental health, critical thinking, and skills development.”
Professor Ahmed Adamu, a lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, stated in his paper presentation that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs are expected to be created.
Professor Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.
He opined that it is crucial for young people today not to only stay informed about emerging technologies but also to be actively engaged in learning and development opportunities that will prepare them for these new roles, adding that by doing so, they can position themselves to benefit from the influx of new job opportunities instead of being left behind in an increasingly competitive job market.
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