The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, has reaffirmed
the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s young population through quality
education, skills development and human capital development, describing the country’s youthful
demographic as a strategic asset capable of driving sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.
Speaking at the 2026 World Population Day commemoration organised by the National
Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
in Abuja, Professor Ahmad said education remains the most powerful tool for empowering young people to realise their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to national development.
She noted that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Ministry of Education is implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at improving foundational learning, reducing the number of out-of-school children, strengthening teacher quality, expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), promoting digital literacy, ensuring safe learning environments and advancing girl-child education.
According to the Minister, while many young Nigerians continue to face challenges including
limited access to quality education, unemployment and inequality, addressing these issues requires coordinated action across sectors to unlock the country’s demographic dividend. “The future of every nation depends on how well it educates, protects and empowers its young people. Education builds confidence, creates opportunities, promotes responsible citizenship and equips young people with the skills needed to thrive in today’s world,” she stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, described Nigeria’s
youthful population as the nation’s greatest asset, stressing that demographic advantage can only
translate into national prosperity through sustained investment in education, healthcare,
employment, digital inclusion and social protection. He also reaffirmed the Commission’s
commitment to conducting a credible and inclusive national census to strengthen planning,
service delivery and evidence-based policymaking.
Delivering the goodwill message of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the UNFPA Country
Representative, Ms. Muriel Mafico, observed that Nigeria’s over 73 million young people aged 10
to 24 represent an enormous opportunity for national development but warned that persistent
inequalities continue to limit their potential. She called for sustained investment in quality
education, reproductive health, decent employment and meaningful youth participation in
decision-making.
Also speaking, the Emir of Shonga, Kwara State, Dr. Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya, OON, urged stronger collaboration with traditional institutions to accelerate community-level action on education, girl-
child development and population issues, noting that demographic dividends are achieved through deliberate investment rather than by chance.
Representing Nigerian youth, 15-year-old Ivana Ituardo of Education as a Vaccine (EVA) challenged leaders to move beyond promises by providing young people with opportunities, resources and meaningful participation in decisions that shape their future. She also underscored the importance of an inclusive national census that counts every young Nigerian, including girls, persons with disabilities and those in hard-to-reach communities.
The 2026 World Population Day, themed “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People
Today and for the Future,” reinforces the need for sustained investment in education, health and
youth empowerment as critical pillars for building a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria.
Photo Credit: Vanguard