Project – Assessment of the contribution of youths Nation building in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
Youth engagement in nation-building has been a subject of considerable discourse within academic and policy circles, especially in the context of developing nations like Nigeria. The demographic of youth, often defined as individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, constitutes a significant portion of Nigeria’s population. According to the National Population Commission (2020), about 70% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 35. This large proportion of young people represents both a challenge and an opportunity for national development. Youth involvement in nation-building, as discussed in numerous studies, is seen as essential for economic growth, social stability, and political transformation (Adeline & Okechukwu, 2015). Given Nigeria’s current socio-political challenges, it becomes critical to assess the contributions of the youth to the country’s developmental processes and its journey toward achieving sustainable progress.
The role of Nigerian youth in nation-building has historically been intertwined with education, economic empowerment, and social participation. According to Okafor and Chukwu (2017), education is a key enabler of youth engagement in nation-building. Through education, youths gain the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to both the economy and governance. Programs aimed at enhancing the educational capacity of youth, such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and various vocational training schemes, have been pivotal in fostering a sense of civic responsibility and empowering youth for active participation in economic and political activities. Despite the challenges facing the Nigerian education sector, including inadequate funding and infrastructure, many youths are utilizing these programs as avenues for personal development and national contribution.
Economic empowerment is another critical area where Nigerian youths have made significant strides in nation-building. As observed by Nwachukwu and Ojo (2019), young Nigerians are increasingly involved in entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to the diversification of the economy. The rise of youth-driven startups in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and entertainment has been particularly noteworthy. Initiatives such as the YouWiN program and various youth-focused innovation hubs have provided financial support and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging job creation and economic growth. Additionally, the informal sector, where a large proportion of Nigerian youth are employed, contributes significantly to the national GDP, although this sector remains largely unregulated (Ogunyemi, 2020).
However, while the contributions of Nigerian youth to the economy are substantial, political engagement remains a contentious issue. Political instability and a history of military rule have often led to disenfranchisement among young people, limiting their role in governance. As noted by Adamu and Aliyu (2021), Nigerian youths have struggled to effectively translate their socio-economic influence into political power. The low voter turnout among young Nigerians, coupled with their underrepresentation in political offices, has hindered their potential impact in shaping national policies. Nevertheless, recent movements such as the #EndSARS protests and the rise of youth-driven political activism have indicated a growing interest in political participation and social change, marking a shift in youth engagement in national governance.
In the realm of social participation, Nigerian youths have also contributed to nation-building through activism and community service. The emergence of various youth-led advocacy groups, particularly those focused on human rights, environmental sustainability, and social justice, highlights the increasing awareness and involvement of youth in national issues. According to Odebiyi and Akindele (2022), Nigerian youths have played a pivotal role in advocating for democratic reforms, improved governance, and social accountability. Their active participation in campaigns for gender equality, education reform, and anti-corruption measures has significantly influenced public policy discussions and contributed to the broader goals of nation-building.
Despite these positive contributions, challenges such as unemployment, political exclusion, and inadequate social services continue to hinder the full potential of Nigerian youths in nation-building. A lack of access to quality healthcare, a dearth of employment opportunities, and widespread corruption often limit youth engagement in productive activities. To foster greater contributions to nation-building, scholars like Aluko (2020) argue for the need for comprehensive policies that prioritize youth development, job creation, and active participation in governance. By addressing these challenges, Nigeria could harness the full potential of its youthful population and achieve sustainable development.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
The role of youths in the socio-political and economic development of any nation cannot be overstated, as they form the foundation upon which the future of a country is built. In Nigeria, however, the full potential of youth participation in nation building remains largely untapped and under-explored. Despite the fact that young people represent a significant portion of the population, constituting about 60% of the country’s total demographic, their involvement in key decision-making processes, governance, and national development efforts is still minimal. This paradox raises an essential question: how can the contributions of Nigerian youths to nation building be enhanced and maximized to drive national growth?
One critical issue that hampers the youth’s contributions is the limited access to opportunities for meaningful participation in governance and national development. Many Nigerian youths face systemic barriers, including unemployment, underemployment, and poor education infrastructure, which restrict their ability to contribute meaningfully to nation-building efforts. Youth participation in politics, economic empowerment, and community development is often marginalized or overshadowed by older generations who dominate these spaces. This lack of inclusion results in a disconnect between the nation’s leadership and the aspirations of the younger generation, making it difficult for youths to bring about impactful change in areas such as governance, innovation, and social transformation.
Additionally, the youth population in Nigeria is faced with numerous challenges that limit their potential for involvement in nation-building processes. Issues such as inadequate educational systems, lack of mentorship, and limited access to technological tools stifle the creativity and leadership qualities of young Nigerians. Despite the global recognition of the importance of technology and innovation in modern development, the lack of technological infrastructure in Nigeria restricts youths from exploring these avenues. Consequently, many young people are left with fewer options for economic mobility, which further reduces their capacity to contribute to national progress.
Youth activism has also been hindered by political instability and societal disillusionment. Over the years, Nigerian youths have demonstrated a high level of engagement in social movements and protests, with instances such as the #EndSARS protests signaling the potential for youth-led change. However, the lack of political will and the fear of repression often discourage many young people from continuing their active participation in the political space. The absence of a supportive and enabling environment for youth to engage in governance not only diminishes their voice but also limits their ability to actively participate in the process of shaping the nation’s future.
Furthermore, there is a need to explore how Nigerian youths are actively contributing to nation-building through entrepreneurship and innovation. While some youths have taken steps toward creating businesses and social enterprises, many are hindered by a lack of access to capital, weak infrastructure, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. Youth-led businesses could potentially drive the country’s economic diversification, create employment, and promote sustainable development. However, for such ventures to thrive, there needs to be a more supportive ecosystem that includes financial support, access to markets, and the provision of necessary skills.
This study aims to assess the extent to which Nigerian youths are currently contributing to nation-building and to identify the factors that facilitate or inhibit their participation. By evaluating youth involvement in governance, entrepreneurship, technology, and social movements, this research seeks to provide actionable insights for policymakers, youth organizations, and stakeholders to create an enabling environment for greater youth participation. In doing so, the study will not only highlight the challenges faced by Nigerian youths but also offer potential solutions to empower them, ensuring their active contribution to the development of the nation.
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to assess the contribution of youths Nation building in Nigeria. Case study of Odukpani local government, Cross River State. The specific objectives are:
- To examine the role of Nigerian youths in promoting social cohesion and unity within the country.
- To assess the impact of youth-led initiatives on economic development and growth in Nigeria.
- To analyze the involvement of young people in political processes and governance structures.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of youth empowerment programs in fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- How do Nigerian youths contribute to promoting social cohesion and unity within the country?
- What is the impact of youth-led initiatives on economic development and growth in Nigeria?
- How are young people involved in political processes and governance structures in Nigeria?
- What is the effectiveness of youth empowerment programs in fostering sustainable development in Nigeria?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Youth-led initiatives have no impact on economic development and growth in Nigeria.
H1: Youth-led initiatives have impact on economic development and growth in Nigeria.
1.6. Significance of the Study
This study is significant in that it offers a focused examination of the role of youth in nation building within a specific local context—Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA) in Cross River State. By narrowing the scope of the research, the study provides a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that youths in this particular region face in their efforts to contribute to national development. Odukpani, like many rural areas in Nigeria, has its own distinct social, economic, and political dynamics that may not always align with the broader national picture. Thus, investigating youth contributions at the local government level can uncover region-specific insights that are critical for tailoring development interventions that better engage young people.
Furthermore, this research is significant because it highlights the importance of local government structures as essential agents of national development. While much attention is often given to the federal or state levels in national development discourse, local governments are where much of the grassroots change happens. Youths in Odukpani may be more directly affected by local policies and initiatives, so understanding their contributions at this level can provide valuable insights into how local government policies can be adjusted to better support youth engagement in nation-building. It also reinforces the need for decentralizing development efforts to empower young people at the grassroots level, ensuring that their voices are heard and their potential is harnessed in local governance.
This study also contributes to the existing body of knowledge on youth development by examining the ways in which youths in Odukpani contribute to social and economic transformation. Many youths in rural areas like Odukpani may be more likely to engage in community-based initiatives, such as agricultural projects, youth empowerment programs, or local entrepreneurship ventures. By investigating these contributions, the study will shed light on the innovative and resourceful ways in which young people in the area are making a difference in their communities. Understanding these efforts can help policymakers and development practitioners design programs that better leverage the strengths and potential of local youth.
Additionally, the research will provide a critical understanding of the barriers and constraints faced by youths in Odukpani, which may differ from those faced by youths in urban centers. Issues such as lack of infrastructure, limited access to education, and unemployment are more pronounced in rural communities, making it difficult for young people to fully participate in national development. By focusing on these challenges, the study can advocate for policies that address the specific needs of rural youth and suggest how these barriers can be overcome to facilitate more robust contributions to nation-building. This localized approach can offer more practical and implementable solutions for youth development that can be adapted to other rural areas across Nigeria.
The study is also significant in terms of its potential to empower local youth by drawing attention to their efforts and contributions to society. Often, the narratives surrounding Nigerian youth are dominated by negative perceptions—such as youth restiveness, unemployment, and involvement in social vices—thereby overshadowing their positive roles in societal progress. By focusing on the constructive contributions of Odukpani youths, this research will highlight the untapped potential within this group, fostering a sense of pride, recognition, and agency among them. It will also encourage further investments in youth development, creating more opportunities for them to participate actively in shaping the future of their communities and the nation at large.
Finally, this study’s significance extends to the broader field of youth development and policy-making. The findings from Odukpani Local Government can inform national strategies aimed at youth engagement in nation-building. With youth unemployment and disengagement being major challenges across Nigeria, understanding the dynamics of youth participation at the local level can provide evidence-based recommendations to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and youth advocacy groups. The insights gained could potentially influence policy reforms related to education, employment, and youth empowerment, contributing to the overall enhancement of the role that youths play in fostering national unity, peace, and sustainable development across the country.
1.7. Scope of the Study
The study examines assessment of the contribution of youths Nation building in Nigeria. Case study of Odukpani local government, Cross River State.
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Assessment: An assessment refers to the systematic process of evaluating, measuring, or appraising something to determine its value, impact, or effectiveness. In this context, assessment involves gathering information, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions about the role and impact of youths in nation-building efforts.
Contribution: Contribution refers to the act of providing something of value toward a common goal or purpose. It can involve input, effort, resources, or participation that positively impacts a particular cause or objective. In this study, “contribution” refers to the ways in which youths actively participate, engage, or support processes of nation-building, whether through social, political, economic, or cultural involvement.
Youths: Youths refer to individuals who are typically in the stage of adolescence or early adulthood, generally ranging from ages 15 to 35, though this can vary depending on the context. This age group is often seen as the foundation for future leadership and development in society, possessing the potential to drive change in various sectors like education, politics, and the economy.
Nation-building: Nation-building is the process of constructing or structuring a national identity, institutions, and infrastructures, with the goal of creating a unified, stable, and prosperous nation. It encompasses economic development, social cohesion, political stability, the rule of law, and the establishment of values and policies that promote the well-being of all citizens. Nation-building efforts typically involve collaboration across various sectors and communities within a country to foster collective growth and development.
Project – Assessment of the contribution of youths Nation building in Nigeria.