The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Nigerian youths to take advantage of the ongoing national reforms to upscale their skills, describing the reforms as critical pathways for personal development and sustainable nation-building.
Idris made the call while delivering the convocation lecture at the 34th convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State. The lecture was titled “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms.”
The minister said the present phase of reforms being implemented across various sectors of the economy presents unique opportunities for young Nigerians to reposition themselves for future leadership and economic relevance. He stressed that youths remain central to the country’s growth and must be equipped with relevant skills to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.
According to him, skill acquisition, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital literacy are key areas youths should focus on in order to contribute meaningfully to national development. He noted that reforms in education, technology, and the creative economy were designed to create new opportunities for employment and self-reliance.
Idris also urged young people to adopt a positive mindset, embrace lifelong learning and take responsibility for shaping the nation’s future, adding that government alone cannot drive development without the active participation of the youth population.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies and programmes aimed at empowering youths, creating an enabling environment for innovation, and fostering inclusive growth.
The convocation ceremony also featured the award of degrees to graduating students, as well as the conferment of honorary degrees on distinguished individuals who have contributed to national development.
