NIGERIAN YOUTHS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PATHWAYS

BY

NGOZI JENNIFER CECILIA EZEMA

ABSTRACT

National development is closely tied to the capacity, engagement, and empowerment of a nation’s youth population. In Nigeria, youths constitute more than 60% of the population, representing a demographic dividend with immense potential to drive innovation, productivity, and governance reform. Despite this advantage, systemic barriers such as unemployment, poverty, poor educational infrastructure, health disparities, and political exclusion continue to undermine their contributions.

This study critically examines the roles, challenges, and future pathways of Nigerian youths in fostering sustainable national development. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected through questionnaires and semistructured interviews among youths in Enugu State. Findings reveal that Nigerian youths possess creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial energy, but their impact is constrained by policy inconsistency, corruption, and limited access to opportunities. While youths are actively engaged in informal entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and civic activism, their potential remains underutilized due to weak institutional support and poor monitoring of government programs.

The study concludes that youth empowerment should be viewed not as welfare but as a strategic national investment. Comprehensive reforms in education, employment creation, healthcare, and governance inclusion are essential to harness the demographic dividend. Recommendations include strengthening youthcentered programs, institutional accountability, and digital economy integration as pathways to inclusive and sustainable development.

Keywords: Nigerian youths, national development, empowerment, challenges, sustainable development, youth inclusion

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