Democracy Day: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to education, youth empowerment

As Nigeria marked the 26th anniversary of unbroken democracy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transformative educational reforms aimed at empowering Nigerian youth with relevant skills for the modern economy.

In his Democracy Day address to a joint session of the National Assembly, President Tinubu highlighted ongoing efforts and future plans that target education, skills development, and youth empowerment as key drivers of national progress.

“Our administration is committed to giving more opportunities to young people through job creation and skills development,” Tinubu said.

“Through such programs as NELFUND, we are investing in education, vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships to ensure our youth are job-ready and future-ready.”

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The president also unveiled a bold new initiative set to launch in July 2025, which will provide consumer credit access to 400,000 young Nigerians, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

This move, Tinubu noted, is aimed at increasing access to essential life tools and supporting entrepreneurship among youth.

Tinubu underscored the importance of digital connectivity as a key enabler for education in the 21st century.

He announced a nationwide fibre optic infrastructure rollout designed to bridge the digital divide and enhance access to online learning and innovation.

“This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionize how students learn,” he said.

“By extending this critical infrastructure, we are empowering students, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalized world.”

The president’s address also touched on broader educational investments, including the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which has already benefited over 100,000 Nigerians—35,000 of whom are civil servants—by enabling them to purchase life-enhancing assets such as electronics, vehicles, and home essentials.

Observers see these reforms as part of the administration’s broader economic restructuring agenda, which includes investments in job-ready skills, digital infrastructure, and financial inclusion.

While the president acknowledged the nation’s educational challenges, he called on lawmakers and stakeholders to collaborate in passing legislation that supports industrial and human capital development.

“As elected leaders, we must do more to make the dream of Nigeria’s political and economic democracy real,” Tinubu said.

“Education is the cornerstone of that dream.”

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex social and economic terrain, President Tinubu’s focus on education and youth empowerment underscores a strategic shift toward inclusive development and long-term national resilience.