Shettima Tasks Nigerian Youths on Digital Economy, Entrepreneurial Opportunities 

•As experts canvass collaboration to bridge skills gap, equip Africa’s youths for 21st century

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt and Funmi Ogundare in Lagos

Vice President Kashim Shettima has challenged youths to make good use of the entrepreneurial and digital opportunities open to them in order to transform the country. Shettima said this in his address at an event to mark the 60th Anniversary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), held in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

In another development, founding Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Emeritus Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, weekend, called for collaborative efforts between the government, educators, industries, and communities in the development of 21st century skills. 

Speaking at the unveiling of the 21st Century Skills Roadmap organised by Career Digest Limited, in Lagos, Jegede emphasised the importance of integrating key skills, such as automated scheduling software and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered analytics, into the national curriculum.

Shettima, represented by Technical Advisor to the Vice President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact, Hauwa Liman, said with available data, Nigeria had the youngest population in the world.

He stressed that the Tinubu administration had prioritised initiatives that empowered young Nigerians to excel in education, entrepreneurship, and the creative and digital industries. 

He pointed out that the N110 billion transformative initiative for youths’ entrepreneurship across agriculture, technology and industry, the $618 billion initiative to support tech and creative enterprises, and as well the education funds, were all geared towards youths’ inclusion and development.

The vice president also stated the federal government was working to establish a National Youth Develop Bank and a Youth Data Bank. 

“These platforms will ensure that young Nigerians have the resources, information and access they need to succeed,” Shettima said.

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to providing the youths with the support needed for them to succeed. 

The vice president stated, “Dear young Nigerian youths, the opportunities before you are vast. You are part of a generation that has the tools, skills and platforms to transform not only Nigeria, but the world. The digital economy, creative industry and entrepreneurial space are yours to dominate. 

“As we celebrate this milestone, I challenge you to seize this moment, embrace innovation, creativity and hard work. Let your generation be the one that will transform Nigeria into a beacon of democracy, development and progress. 

“Your voices are heard, your contributions are valid, and your future is being shaped by the decisions you make today.”

Earlier in his address, National President of NYCN, Sukubo Sara-Igbe, stated the 60th anniversary of the council was not just a celebration of an organisation, but also of a movement that had given the Nigerian youth a platform to lead, inspire, and impact. 

Sara-Igbe said the theme for the 2024 International Youth Day was “Sustaining a Legacy of Leadership and Service”.  He explained that the theme was in sync with the 60th anniversary theme, “Reflecting on the Past, Maximising the Present to Shaping the Future.”

Sara-Igbe thanked the Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for hosting the NYCN anniversary. He called on the Nigerian youth to not rely solely on white collar jobs, but also take advantage of the digital space to create jobs for themselves.

Sara-Igbe called on the National Assembly to formulate legislations and policies that focused on the good of the youth.  

He noted both the challenges and successes of his leadership, which he said had further strengthened NYCN. 

According to Sara-Igbe, “To my fellow youth, I say this: the future belongs to you. The challenges we face are not insurmountable. You are the torchbearers of this nation’s destiny. Let us rise above limitations and lead with integrity, purpose, and innovation.  

“To our stakeholders, your support and investment are indispensable. Empowering youth is not just an act of charity; it is an investment in our shared future. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where every young person has the tools, opportunities, and confidence to succeed.”

Jegede also advocated investing in teacher training and fostering public-private partnerships to equip Africa’s youth with the skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce.

In his keynote address at the unveiling of the 21st Century Skills Roadmap, Jegedeexpressed concerns about the National Policy on Education (NPE), suggesting that it has become outdated and must undergo a complete review. 

He stated, “the curriculum at all educational levels must be rewritten to align with the evolving landscape. There must be rigorous monitoring to assess the effectiveness of programmes and ensure data-driven decision-making.

“Continuous engagement with stakeholders throughout the implementation process is essential. Additionally, teacher training, ongoing professional development, appropriate remuneration, and the provision of infrastructure and equipment must be prioritised.”

Jegede, who is a former Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities, described future skills as a blend of cognitive and interpersonal abilities, emphasising that soft skills would become increasingly important.

He highlighted the growing demand for digital technology skills, predicting that by 2030, nearly half of global professions would require digital proficiency to remain relevant. 

“To be indispensable to future employers, soft skills will be essential, not just technical or academic qualifications,” he stressed.

Chief Executive Officer of Career Digest Limited, Joy Chinwokwu, underscored the urgency of addressing the skills gap in an ever-evolving, technology-driven world. 

Chinwokwu expressed concern that educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, were still producing graduates with outdated skills that did not meet 21st century expectations.

“The fourth industrial revolution is no longer on the horizon; it is already here, demanding a workforce that is adaptable, innovative, and forward-thinking,” she stated.

Chinwokwu’s organisation is committed to bridging the skills gap between education and the workplace across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

She said, “Our mission is to guide students, youth, and women toward relevant courses that will empower them economically, whether through employment or entrepreneurship.”

Chinwokwu added, “We aim to create sustainable partnerships that involve key stakeholders in the development and implementation of world-class digital skills.”

The CEO also reiterated Career Digest’s dedication to a results-oriented advocacy agenda aimed at empowering individuals, organisations and nations to compete on a global scale in the digital age.

Acting Registrar/Chief Executive of National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Nnasia Asanga, emphasised the importance of integrating learning, unlearning, and relearning (LURe) within Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems to cultivate a workforce adaptable and skilled for the 21st century economy.

In his presentation, titled, “Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning (LURe) Skills within Vocational Education and Training Systems for Global Development,” Asanga stated that adopting LURe within VET could help nations close skill gaps, promote sustainable practices, and enhance global competitiveness.

Represented by Dr. Adewuni Oladapo, the board’s South-west Zonal Coordinator, Asanga explained that LURe was a continuous process of acquiring, discarding, and updating knowledge to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

“In VET systems, LURe ensures that learners are equipped to meet both current and future workforce demands, particularly in the face of technological advancements, climate change, and shifting economic landscapes,” he stated.