“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”

“Franklin D. Roosevelt”

The future of any nation rests squarely in the hands of its youth. Young people represent the most energetic, innovative, and dynamic segment of society, yet they are often the most impacted by political decisions. Despite this, many remain disengaged from politics, perceiving it as corrupt, inaccessible, or disconnected from their daily realities. This mindset must evolve. Active youth participation in politics is not optional; it is essential for national development, social justice, and the rise of progressive leadership that aligns with modern values, aspirations, and global realities.
Why Youth Participation in Politics Matters
Youth engagement brings fresh perspectives, creativity, and bold courage to governance. Young people are at the forefront of pressing contemporary issues: unemployment, climate change, digital transformation, mental health, and equitable access to quality education. When they participate actively through voting, advocacy, policymaking, or leadership, they ensure policies are realistic, inclusive, and forward-looking.
Beyond improving governance, political involvement cultivates critical thinking, leadership skills, and civic responsibility. It transforms passive citizens into proactive nation-builders. A politically active youth base strengthens democracy by promoting greater accountability, transparency, and responsiveness from leaders.

Supporting Progressive Leadership Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT)
Progressive leadership is built on inclusivity, innovation, and people-centered policies that resonate deeply with today’s youth. By rallying behind such leaders and movements, young Nigerians advance agendas focused on education reform, social equity, economic opportunities, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, youth empowerment has been a clear priority, with tangible impacts that cannot be overlooked. Key initiatives include:
• The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan program, providing interest-free loans for tuition and upkeep to hundreds of thousands of students in public tertiary institutions (with over 1.2 million applications processed and significant disbursements as of late 2025).
• The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, aimed at training three million young Nigerians in high-demand digital and technical skills to create jobs and position Nigeria as a global talent hub.
• The National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) targets the creation of one million jobs over five years by exporting skilled Nigerian talent to the global outsourcing market.
• The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, promoting affordable, cleaner transportation alternatives while generating employment through vehicle conversions and related infrastructure.
• Youth-focused training programs, such as the Ministry of Steel Development Bootcamp, offer intensive skills in welding, fabrication, metallurgy, instrumentation, and mechanical maintenance to build a new generation of technical experts.
These programs emphasize merit-based opportunities, inclusivity, and non-partisan access to skill development, job creation, market linkages, and economic growth, opening doors for young voices and dismantling barriers rooted in age, wealth, or connections.
Revamping Education for a Stronger Future
Education forms the bedrock of effective youth participation in politics and society. To truly empower the next generation, Nigeria’s education system must be modernized to emphasize critical thinking, civic education, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving over rote learning.
Countries like China, Japan, Singapore, Qatar, and the UAE have successfully implemented such reforms, yielding highly competitive workforces. Nigeria can draw inspiration from these models while encouraging mandatory local consumption of locally produced goods and services.
Schools and universities should foster student leadership through debates, councils, civic clubs, and community service. Early exposure to governance, constitutional rights, and public policy demystifies politics and builds confidence. Governments must invest in teacher training, modern infrastructure, technology integration, and equitable access for marginalized communities. An educated youth is not only employable but also empowered to hold leaders accountable and drive national progress.
Encouraging and Empowering the Youth
Beyond education, youth require platforms, mentorship, and real opportunities. Political parties, civil society, and governments must integrate young people into decision-making through youth wings, leadership programs, internships, and town halls.
Youth must also embrace responsibility: staying informed, engaging in constructive dialogue, volunteering, and using digital platforms responsibly for advocacy. When harnessed wisely, social media becomes a powerful force for mobilization, awareness, and accountability.

Conclusion

Youth involvement in politics is a necessity, not a choice. By actively engaging, supporting progressive leadership, and championing education reform, young Nigerians can forge a just, innovative, and inclusive future.
As President John F. Kennedy declared on January 20, 1961:
“…ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

As the Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) USA, I have applied this principle by mobilizing our youth chapter to contribute directly to nation-building. We focus on key areas such as agriculture support, sponsoring indigent students for schooling and vocational training, and financing Nigerian-owned tech and fintech ventures both at home and abroad. We continue to seek partnerships and sponsors to expand these efforts because President Tinubu cannot shoulder this alone.
This is a call to public service, civic action, and collective responsibility. I urge a new generation of Nigerians, regardless of tribe, gender, or class, to rise, participate, and take ownership. We all possess inherent leadership qualities. Let us unite, activate our potential, and shape our destiny.

The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. It is time to rise, engage, and lead.

Alhaji Tijani Jamiu Akinteye
Youth Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC) USA