The Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone, Comrade Tope Olugbemi, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace innovation, continuous learning, entrepreneurship, and active participation in governance as pathways to national development.
Speaking on Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing to commemorate International Youth Day, Olugbemi described Nigeria’s youthful population as one of the country’s greatest assets, stressing that despite the challenges facing young people, the period presents enormous opportunities for growth and leadership.
He argued that the long-standing phrase, “youth are the leaders of tomorrow,” has become outdated, insisting that young Nigerians are capable of taking on leadership responsibilities today if given the opportunity.
According to him, the country’s education system requires urgent reform to reflect the realities of a rapidly changing global economy driven by technology and artificial intelligence. He expressed concern that only a small number of Nigerian institutions currently offer AI-related programmes, warning that the nation risks preparing students for jobs that are becoming obsolete instead of equipping them for emerging opportunities.
Olugbemi called for a review of educational curricula and greater investment in digital skills, innovation, and technology-based learning. He also urged government to make academic excellence more attractive by rewarding outstanding students and promoting a culture that values education and productivity.
On entrepreneurship, he acknowledged that many young Nigerians face difficulties accessing the capital needed to establish businesses. However, he encouraged youths to focus on personal development and acquire marketable skills that require little financial investment, including software development, quality assurance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, animation, and other digital professions.
He noted that employers increasingly prioritize practical skills over academic qualifications, encouraging graduates to continuously upskill and position themselves for remote employment opportunities with companies across the world.
The student leader also called on young Nigerians to use digital platforms for learning and self-development rather than spending excessive time on entertainment content. He said numerous free online resources are available to help youths gain globally competitive skills.
Speaking on governance and civic responsibility, Olugbemi urged young people to actively participate in the democratic process by registering to vote, obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and taking part in future elections. He maintained that meaningful national change requires greater youth involvement in leadership and decision-making.
He further encouraged young Nigerians to move beyond criticism by offering practical solutions to societal challenges.
“If you identify a problem, be ready to propose a solution. Leadership is about solving problems, not simply pointing them out,” he said.
Olugbemi also advocated proactive leadership and innovation in governance, suggesting that cities such as Lagos could explore a 24-hour economy to ease traffic congestion and improve productivity. He argued that governments should focus on long-term planning rather than reacting only after problems emerge.
He concluded by encouraging young Nigerians to prepare themselves for leadership through education, community engagement, innovation, and continuous self-improvement.
The interview formed part of activities marking International Youth Day and highlighted the need for stronger investments in quality education, entrepreneurship, technology, employment opportunities, and youth inclusion in policymaking to harness Nigeria’s youthful population for sustainable economic growth.
