Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has urged Nigerian youths to prioritise practical skills and entrepreneurship alongside academic qualifications, warning that certificates alone may no longer guarantee employment in today’s increasingly competitive labour market.
Olawande made the remarks during Channels Television’s Youth Forum 2026 on Friday, where he addressed concerns about youth unemployment, education access and workforce readiness in Nigeria.
The minister said one of the biggest challenges confronting many young Nigerians is the growing disconnect between academic learning and the practical competencies employers demand.
“One of the things I have always emphasised is skill development. Certificates alone may not be what is needed,” Olawande said.
According to him, many students pursue higher education primarily to obtain degrees without paying adequate attention to acquiring technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills that can improve their employability after graduation.
“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.”
Olawande also expressed concern over what he described as unrealistic salary expectations among some graduates entering the labour market.
Referring to responses from participants interviewed ahead of the programme, the minister noted that some young Nigerians expected to earn millions of naira immediately after graduation despite lacking the experience or skills required to justify such earnings.
“I was watching before the programme started, and some youths were asked how much they would like to receive as a salary after graduation. I saw some say ₦1 million and another say ₦3 million,” he said.
“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.”
On education, Olawande identified access to learning opportunities as one of the major challenges facing Nigerian youths, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He commended the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), describing it as a major intervention designed to prevent students from dropping out because of financial hardship.
“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 also highlighted challenges faced by many young Nigerians after graduation and during the National Youth Service Corps, especially those attempting to transition into the formal workforce.
Despite these concerns, Olawande said he remained optimistic about the country’s youth population.
“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 added that with the right skills, opportunities and support systems, young Nigerians can play a leading role in driving economic growth and national development.
