Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerian youths to leverage digital and entrepreneurial opportunities to drive transformation in the country. Speaking during the 60th Anniversary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Port Harcourt, he highlighted the government's commitment to empowering young Nigerians through various initiatives.
Emeritus Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, at a separate event in Lagos, called for the integration of AI-powered analytics and automated scheduling software into the national curriculum to equip students with essential 21st-century skills. He emphasized the need for collaboration among government, educators, and industries.
Shettima announced significant funding initiatives aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurship in sectors like agriculture and technology, alongside plans to establish a National Youth Development Bank. He encouraged young people to embrace innovation and creativity to reshape Nigeria's future.
Jegede also expressed concerns about outdated educational policies, advocating for a complete review of the National Policy on Education to align with modern workforce demands. He stressed the increasing importance of soft skills and digital proficiency, predicting that by 2030, nearly half of global jobs would require such skills.
Joy Chinwokwu, CEO of Career Digest Limited, highlighted the urgency of addressing the skills gap in education, asserting that the fourth industrial revolution is already demanding a workforce that is adaptable and innovative. She reiterated the organization's commitment to guiding young people toward relevant courses that empower them economically.