Shettima: Nigeria Needs Structured Youth Leadership Pathways

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for the establishment of structured and sustainable pathways to nurture youth leadership across Nigeria, warning that the country’s demographic advantage could become a liability without deliberate planning.

Speaking at a high-level policy dialogue in Abuja, Shettima stressed that Nigeria’s large youth population must be matched with clear institutional frameworks that identify, train, and empower future leaders. According to him, the absence of such systems risks leaving millions of young people disengaged from governance and national development.

He noted that while Nigerian youths have consistently demonstrated creativity and resilience in sectors such as technology, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, there remains a significant gap in political inclusion and leadership grooming. The Vice President argued that bridging this gap requires coordinated efforts between government, private sector actors, and educational institutions.

Shettima proposed the integration of leadership development programmes into formal education, alongside mentorship initiatives that connect young Nigerians with experienced leaders in public service. He also emphasized the importance of civic education, accountability, and values-driven leadership.

The Vice President further highlighted the need for policy continuity, stating that youth-focused programmes should not be abandoned with changes in administration. He called for legislation that would institutionalize youth leadership development frameworks at both federal and state levels.

Stakeholders at the event echoed his concerns, urging the government to move beyond rhetoric and implement actionable strategies. Many agreed that empowering young people is critical to addressing challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and political apathy.

Shettima concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to youth inclusion, noting that Nigeria’s future stability and prosperity depend on how effectively it prepares its next generation of leaders.