The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has urged Nigerian youths to prioritise practical skills acquisition, warning that academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient in today’s competitive job market.
He made the call on Friday during Channels Television’s Youth Forum 2026, where he observed that many young people pursue higher education mainly to obtain degrees, without developing the hands-on skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship.
According to him, the growing disconnect between education and employability must be addressed at its root through stronger emphasis on vocational and technical training.
Olawande also expressed concern over what he described as unrealistic salary expectations among some graduates, linking the trend to weak career guidance and limited exposure to entrepreneurship opportunities.
He noted that some youths expect extremely high salaries immediately after graduation without clear plans on how such income would be earned, particularly within the civil service structure.
The minister, however, highlighted challenges around access to education, describing it as a major barrier facing many Nigerian youths.
He commended the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), saying the initiative has helped expand access to tertiary education by supporting students who would otherwise struggle with school fees.
Olawande added that no student should be forced to drop out of school due to financial constraints, stressing the importance of inclusive education support systems.
He also spoke on the difficulties young people face during transition periods after graduation and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), especially for those moving from informal or unstructured work environments.
Despite the challenges, the minister expressed optimism about the potential of Nigerian youths, insisting that with proper engagement and skill development, they can contribute significantly to national development.