Unlocking Opportunities: Nigeria Urges Youth to Acquire 21st-Century Skills

The Nigerian government through the Ministry of Youth Development is urging young people to develop crucial 21st-century skills to tackle the growing issue of unemployment.

The Minister, Comrade Ayodele Olawande made this appeal during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration with the theme ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,‘ and sub-theme; ‘Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth,’ held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

He said such skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communications are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.

Olawande strongly advocated for Nigerian youth to prioritise investing their time and efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies. He emphasised the importance of actively pursuing opportunities that significantly enhance their employability, making them attractive candidates to potential employers.

According to the Minister, “acquiring these skills will equip youth to confidently navigate the complexities and demands of an increasingly competitive job market, where adaptability and innovation are crucial. This proactive approach plays a vital role in addressing the rising unemployment crisis that has been affecting many young Nigerians today.”

The Minister said; “Through dedicated skill development, they can not only improve their job prospects but also lay the groundwork for sustainable career growth and success in the long run. In this rapidly evolving economic landscape, embracing continuous learning and professional development is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving one’s career aspirations.”

Olawande further explained that the theme, ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,’ serves as a powerful endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, stressing that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

“This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent,” he stated.

In his paper presentation, Professor Ahmed Adamu, a lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, stated that by next year, 85 million jobs would be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs are expected to be created.

Professor Adamu stressed that the future job market would heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

He said that “it is crucial for young people today not to only stay informed about emerging technologies but also be actively engaged in learning and development opportunities that will prepare them for these new roles.

The Minister added 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.

Mercy Chukwudiebere