President Bola Tinubu said his administration’s economic and institutional reforms are designed to equip Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills to secure their future.
“Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” Tinubu said when he received the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House, Abuja, on Monday.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed details of Monday’s talks in a statement, said plans for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award events in Lagos were also discussed.
Tinubu said, “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 youth.
“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.
“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 said the reform agenda cuts across sectors to promote harmony among stakeholders and create long-term synergy.
He listed the rollout of fibre optics and other infrastructure to widen access and inclusion for young people, alongside ongoing security measures and crime-reduction efforts.
The President thanked humanitarian agencies “for assisting in ameliorating the plight of victims of terrorism in some parts of the country.”
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, briefed the meeting on the demographics driving policy choices, noting that the country’s median age is 17, and that reforms are deliberately structured to expand participation, skills and growth opportunities for youths.
Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Prince Edward, commended the administration’s reforms, saying they have drawn positive global reviews.
He said the Lagos ceremonies 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 recognised at the Award events to be held in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
He also praised Edun’s role in youth-centred reforms and in hosting the programme, saying, “We have seen the guidance of the Minister of Finance, who has been a brilliant trustee and a champion of the young people.”
Those at the meeting included the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Duke’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Award’s Secretary-General, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee/Chair of the Africa Region, Muhoho Kenyatta.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework for non-formal education delivered through schools, youth organisations and community groups, aimed at building skills, resilience and a spirit of service among young people.
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