Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has urged Nigerian youths to place greater emphasis on practical skills and vocational competence, warning that academic qualifications alone are no longer enough to secure success in today’s highly competitive labour market.
Speaking at Channels Television’s Youth Forum 2026 on Friday, the minister said the widening skills gap among young Nigerians remains a major challenge that must be addressed if the country hopes to tackle unemployment and improve workforce productivity.
According to Olawande, many students pursue higher education with the sole objective of earning certificates, often neglecting the practical abilities and technical expertise required by employers and entrepreneurs in the modern economy.
“One of the things I have always emphasised is skill development. Certificates alone may not be what is needed,” the minister said.
“You would discover that a lot of people going to school today are just going to school to become graduates. The skill gap should be addressed at the root of the matter,” he added.
The minister noted that while educational qualifications remain important, they should be complemented by relevant skills capable of creating employment opportunities and enhancing productivity.
Olawande also expressed concern over what he described as unrealistic salary expectations among some graduates entering the labour market.
He attributed the trend to insufficient career guidance, limited exposure to entrepreneurship and inadequate understanding of workplace realities.
Sharing observations from discussions held during the youth forum, he said some participants projected salary figures that were disconnected from prevailing economic realities and career progression pathways.
“I was watching before the programme (Channels Television’s Youth Forum 2026) started, and some youths were asked how much they would like to receive as a salary after graduation. I saw some say N1 million and another say N3 million,” he stated.
“When you ask them how they intend to earn that money, and they say through the civil service, then you understand why skill development is important,” he added.
According to the minister, equipping young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge would not only improve their employability but also encourage innovation and self-reliance.
He also identified limited access to quality education as one of the major obstacles facing many Nigerian youths.
However, he praised the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), describing it as a transformative initiative that is helping students remain in school despite financial challenges.
“One of the major problems youths face in this country is access to education for those who genuinely want to be educated,” he said.
“NELFund is one initiative that has impacted Nigeria positively. No student should drop out of school again because he or she cannot afford to pay school fees.”
The minister observed that many young Nigerians encounter significant challenges after completing their education and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, particularly those seeking opportunities within the informal sector and emerging industries.
Despite these difficulties, Olawande expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerian youths to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He described them as energetic, innovative and resourceful, stressing that proper engagement and support could unlock their enormous potential.
“I strongly believe that Nigerian youths are not the problem. They have the spirit, and they have the solutions, provided they are engaged properly,” he said.
He maintained that addressing unemployment requires a combination of education, skill acquisition, mentorship and access to opportunities, adding that young people must be prepared to adapt to changing workplace demands.
The minister concluded by calling for greater collaboration among government institutions, educational establishments and private sector organisations to equip Nigerian youths with the practical knowledge and competencies needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
