FG Pledges Stronger Support for Youth Education and Digital Skills

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education and digital skills development, describing them as key to the nation’s vision of becoming a competitive global power.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this assertion on Saturday during a lecture titled “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms” at the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State.

Addressing graduating students and stakeholders, Idris emphasized Nigeria’s youthful demographic, noting that half the population is under 20 and three-quarters under 35. He stressed that the country’s future hinges on educating, skilling, and productively engaging its young population.

“With the right education, skilling, and preparation for the rapidly transforming workspaces of the 21st century, Nigeria will be an unstoppable global force,” the minister said.

Idris highlighted that reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of petrol subsidies, foreign exchange unification, and new tax laws, were designed to reset Nigeria’s economic and governance structures, enhance transparency, and attract investment.

“The goal was never to take more from Nigerians, but to simplify taxation and make it fairer and more transparent,” Idris explained. He added that these reforms are already boosting investor confidence and expanding opportunities in technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and the creative economy, with young Nigerians positioned to benefit the most.

The minister also drew attention to government initiatives supporting education, such as the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has aided hundreds of thousands of students nationwide.

Urging graduates to take an active role in nation-building, Idris encouraged them to leverage available opportunities, embrace lifelong learning, and consider public service as a platform for meaningful contribution.

“You can build from where you are, with what you have. You do not need to wait until you have amassed wealth or influence before contributing to nation-building. Start now,” he advised.