The Federal Government has declared that Nigeria’s bid to compete globally hinges on empowering its youthful population with education and digital skills across the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the statement 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 Nigeria’s future depends largely on how its young population is educated, skilled, and engaged.
“Nigeria, like the rest of Africa, is a very youthful country, with half of our population under 20 and about three-quarters under 35.
“With the right education, skilling and preparation for the 21st-century workspace, Nigeria will be an unstoppable global force,” he said
Idris explained that reforms under President Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy, foreign exchange unification and new tax laws are intended to build a fairer, more transparent system that unlocks 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 said.
The minister said the reforms are already attracting investor confidence and creating opportunities in technology, agriculture, renewable energy and the creative economy, with young Nigerians positioned as the primary beneficiaries.
Also, congratulating the graduates, Idris urged them to see themselves as nation builders, embrace lifelong learning, develop their skills, and consider public service as a platform to contribute to national development.
Dignitaries at the event included Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago (represented by Commissioner for Information, Obet Nana), FUT Minna Vice Chancellor Prof. Abdallah Adamu Kuta, former VC Muftau Akanji, Senator Peter Nda Alkali, VON DG Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, and former Minister of Sports, Alhaji Sani Ndanusa.