Vice President of the Financial Advisory Unit at the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr Usman Muhammed AbdulRazaq, has emphasised the need to prioritise quality education and skills acquisition in the national curriculum as a critical step towards addressing youth unemployment and socio-political instability in Nigeria.
Speaking at a seminar on career development and mentorship held at Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, over the weekend, AbdulRazaq, who is also the founder and Executive Director of Dudden Hill Foundation, said harnessing the nation’s human capital through education and relevant skills would significantly contribute to national development.
“Young people must be well-equipped and positioned to enjoy the opportunities in the new economy,” he stated.
AbdulRazaq identified the lack of access to quality education and critical skills as the root cause of unemployment and social instability among youths. He urged students and graduates to leverage the internet for self-education and skills acquisition.
“Our vision is clear. Our strategy is even simpler. We have created a platform where users can register and enjoy free access to basic learning on in-demand skills such as online business, investment banking, data science, CV writing and interview preparation, digital marketing, among others,” he explained.
According to him, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between school learning and labour market demands, thereby helping to reduce unemployment and social unrest.
“These are things I have experienced in my career. I am committed to mobilising young people to benefit from my experience in education, investment, and banking to raise a new generation of capable leaders,” he added.
He further disclosed that the Dudden Hill Foundation is embarking on a nationwide campus tour to sensitise students and grant them access to relevant skill-building resources through its NeXt Project.
As part of the initiative, ten outstanding KWASU students were inaugurated as ambassadors and presented with starter packs to support the project.
“Today is significant for all of us and our future. I congratulate all the ambassadors. This is a position of responsibility, you will take this message of growth to your peers in KWASU and Kwara State as we work together to build a better nation,” he said.
He noted that while KWASU was the first point of engagement in the state, the next project would continue with other institutions across Nigeria.
“We are on course to producing young people who are skilled, exposed, and employable in today’s evolving job market,” he concluded.
The event was attended by key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including the General Manager of the Kwara State Social Investment Programmes (KWASSIP), Mr Muhammed Brimah; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on NGO Affairs, Mrs Olohuntoyosi Thomas; Senior Vice President, GE Healthcare Financial Services, Mr Tunji AbdulSalam; and Partner and Creative Director of The Hook Creative Agency, Mr Toheeb Balogun. Also in attendance were student union leaders and other youth-led groups in the state.
During a panel session, Mr Brimah urged students to develop positive habits and relationships, describing them as essential to achieving success in both their careers and leadership.
Mrs Thomas commended the turnout and enthusiasm at the event and highlighted a list of 20 future-relevant skills recommended by development organisations and industry leaders. She encouraged the students to acquire as many as possible before graduation.
In their separate remarks, AbdulSalam and Balogun shared personal experiences, underscoring that personal development is a lifelong process and that the private sector offers numerous opportunities for those with the right skills.
In a vote of thanks, KWASU Students’ Union President, Mr Yusuf Umar Danshitta, urged students to take full advantage of the Dudden Hill NeXt Project and work towards the growth of the university and the state.
He also called on the foundation to extend the programme to other institutions nationwide to benefit more students.
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