PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu says his administration’s economic and institutional reforms are aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills and securing their future through education-driven prosperity.
“Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” Tinubu said on Monday when he received the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House, Abuja.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the meeting also featured discussions on the upcoming Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award events scheduled to hold in Lagos.
Tinubu noted that youth issues would be central to conversations at the G-20 meetings this week.
We will be participating in the G-20 this week. It is the third time Africa is hosting the G-20. And the central issue is about our youth. We need to strengthen the economy for our youths,” he said.
“The reforms are about growth and prosperity for the nation. It takes into full consideration demography and skills development. We are emulating best practices in exploring opportunities in several areas of skills development.”
He highlighted the recently launched student loan initiative as one of the government’s measures to expand access to education.
We have a special education loan fund now that ensures that no one is left behind. The fund ensures that students who gain admission to universities stay in school and receive support to complete their education. Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty.”
Tinubu added that the reform agenda spans multiple sectors to promote long-term synergy among stakeholders. He cited the rollout of fibre optics and other digital infrastructure aimed at widening access for young Nigerians, alongside efforts to curb crime and strengthen national security.
The President also commended humanitarian agencies “for assisting in ameliorating the plight of victims of terrorism in some parts of the country.”
Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria’s youthful median age of 17 informs many of the government’s policy decisions. He noted that reforms are designed to expand participation, skills development and growth opportunities for young people.
The Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Prince Edward, praised the administration’s reforms, saying they had attracted positive global attention.
He added that the Lagos Award events would celebrate young Nigerians “pursuing their passions, developing relevant skills, and contributing to the nation’s growth and development.”
The Duke announced that 320 Nigerian youths will be honoured at the ceremonies, which are being hosted in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
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