Sanwo-Olu to African leaders: Unlock new pathways for youth to thrive

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged African leaders to unlock new pathways for young people to thrive by reforming higher education.

Sanwo-Olu said taking an audacious move would drive entrepreneurship as a tool for economic empowerment and position Africa as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

He stated that “the transformation we seek is not an abstract ideal; it is real, a call to action, and it is urgent. A call to harness our collective resources, talents, and networks to create real opportunities for millions across Africa.”

The governor said this while delivering his keynote address at the official launch of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) at the University of the West of England, Bristol, on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Sanwo-Olu said CASET stands as a beacon of bold and bright promise, and with collective effort, its impact will be felt across Africa and beyond.

Sanwo-Olu promised that Lagos State will be “a willing and committed partner, and we will do our best to help in forging additional partnerships.”

The governor, therefore, called on all academics, policymakers, business leaders, development partners, and friends of Africa to see CASET as a timely rallying point and a platform where stakeholders can join hands to turn ideas into action and action into lasting transformation.

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Sanwo-Olu, who is the Patron of CASET, said the continent holds the greatest reservoir of youthful energy, talent, and potential anywhere in the world.

He added that Lagos State “embodies a megacity minting some of the most exciting artists and creatives in the world today, while also asserting itself as a global startup ecosystem, home to several unicorn companies.”

The governor, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, said his administration, through some policies, is empowering young people with the skills, platforms, and capital they need to build businesses, create jobs, and drive change.

Speaking on the importance of CASET to Africa, Sanwo-Olu said: “CASET is more than just a centre; it is a movement and a mobilising force.

“It is a movement to foster collaborative research, build institutional capacity, and solve pressing problems, and a mobilising force to promote cross-border partnerships that place African voices and leadership at the centre of shaping our shared future.

“As Patron, I pledge my full support to this mission. Through sustained partnerships between African governments, universities, private sector actors, and international allies, we can unlock new pathways for our young people to thrive.”

The Star