Investing in Nigerian Youth for Industrial and Export Initiative
Author: Uko Ebenezer
Digitalization has the potential to transform various sectors by creating a safe environment, facilitating seamless procedures, and generating job opportunities. In Nigeria, the motivation of young people, driven by their expertise in digital technology, has led to the development of innovative products and services aimed at fostering industrialization and a robust export-driven economy.
Although digitalization in Nigeria has not yet reached the desired levels, recognizing young people as agents of a transformed digital ecosystem is crucial. To be at the forefront of a functioning digital ecosystem, the government must make intentional investments in young people to create possibilities and opportunities in a highly digitalized environment.
One viable option to propel Nigeria’s digitalization is to harness final-year research projects from students in tertiary institutions, particularly those with STEM backgrounds. These projects can be developed into reliable products and services for national and global markets. A program led by industrial and academic stakeholders should be established to assess the industrial potential of these projects, provide financial aid to optimize operation and production expenses, and encourage academic-industrial collaboration. Students should present their projects, highlighting their contributions to an improved digital environment. The best projects should receive funding to support commercialization and launch.
The program should also include sessions where industrial and academic experts educate students on technical aspects, business development, and intellectual property protection through technology transfer offices. These sessions will provide guidelines for creating successful industrial and export products.
Moreover, the government should introduce tax breaks for industries that utilize the innovations and skills of young people. Lowered tax burdens will free up resources for these industries to invest in innovative technologies for digital enhancement and create a level playing field to compete with international counterparts.
Reforming the Nigerian academic curriculum in higher institutions is essential to acquaint students with contemporary developments in digital technologies. The curriculum should be tailored to include the structure, framework, and principles of modern technologies. This will enable students to understand fundamental to advanced concepts in their respective fields, empowering them to create systems with advanced modules and architectures.
The current Nigerian academic curriculum is outdated, limiting young people’s ability to facilitate evolving technologies and hindering the emergence of entrepreneurs due to a lack of technical skills.
Ultimately, investing in young people is crucial for establishing a strengthened economy. With its large and young population, an improved digital environment can drive economic transformation and set Nigeria on a new growth trajectory. Young people can fuel industrial growth, boost export activities, and reduce the high unemployment rate. Therefore, the Nigerian government must view youth as effective change-makers capable of advancing the country to the next level.