The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria’s ability to compete on the global stage depends largely on empowering its youthful population through quality education and digital skills development.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known while delivering the 2026 Convocation Lecture at the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State.
Speaking on the theme, “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms,” Idris said the future of Nigeria rests on how well its young population is educated, skilled, and meaningfully engaged.
He noted that Nigeria, like much of Africa, has a predominantly young population, with about half of its citizens under the age of 20 and nearly three-quarters below 35.
“With the right education, skills acquisition and preparation for the 21st-century workspace, Nigeria will become an unstoppable global force,” the minister said.
Idris explained that key reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration — including the removal of petrol subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange market, and implementation of new tax laws — are designed to create a fairer, more transparent economic system capable of unlocking resources for development and investment.
“There is no nation-building without reforms. Reforms protect us from the trap of doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results,” he stated.
According to him, the ongoing reforms are already boosting investor confidence and opening up opportunities in critical sectors such as technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and the creative economy, with young Nigerians positioned as the primary beneficiaries.
Congratulating the graduating students, Idris urged them to see themselves as future nation builders, embrace lifelong learning, continuously upgrade their skills, and consider public service as a viable platform to contribute to national development.
The convocation ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Obet Nana; FUT Minna Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdallah Adamu Kuta; former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muftau Akanji; Senator Peter Nda Alkali; Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace; and former Minister of Sports, Alhaji Sani Ndanusa.
