NRTC LIST: 10 major issues affecting the Nigerian youth

Friday Omosola Featured 11/12/2023

At the start of the year, the youth articulated and emphasized their aspirations, but some found the enumerated goals to be impractical.

In this article, News Round The Clock (NRTC) investigates ten obstacles that hindered certain youths from realizing their goals in 2023.

Unemployment.

The primary hindrance to the youth’s pursuit of goals this year was unemployment, a predicament largely attributed to governmental shortcomings. With a staggering 33.3% youth unemployment rate, countless young Nigerians grappled with the challenge of securing meaningful employment, resulting in widespread frustration and disillusionment.

The absence of employment poses a formidable barrier to realizing goals, especially since the financial dimension of these aspirations remains unfulfilled without a job.

Underemployment.

Underemployment compounds the problem, as a significant number of individuals securing employment often face insufficient job security, inadequate wages, and a dearth of opportunities for professional advancement. This situation exacerbates economic instability, creating barriers to upward mobility.

Inadequate Education.

Some young individuals have embraced the belief that ‘Education is a scam,’ choosing to align themselves with this perspective despite increasing literacy rates. However, the persisting concern lies in the quality of education. According to NRTC findings, inadequate infrastructure, restricted access to technology, and a shortage of qualified teachers pose significant obstacles to unlocking the full potential of the youth.

Skills Gap.

The disparity between the skills sought by employers and those acquired by graduates often leaves many young individuals ill-equipped for the competitive job market. Addressing this mismatch necessitates revisions in both educational curricula and training programs. Some youths overlook the significance of skills, failing to recognize that acquiring practical abilities is crucial for achieving their goals, especially when traditional white-collar opportunities are scarce.

Whether educated or not, young people should explore learning diverse skills such as barbering, carpentry, baking, digital marketing, and related fields. Acquiring these skills can expedite the realization of their aspirations.

Limited Access to Finance.

Similarly, finance wielded a pivotal influence on the lives of young individuals this year. Numerous aspiring entrepreneurs encountered formidable challenges in securing loans and funding, impeding their capacity to initiate and expand their ventures.

Poor Healthcare.

Inadequate healthcare facilities, insufficient medical personnel, and limited access to essential services disproportionately affect youth, especially in rural areas. NRTC gathered that as a result of this many youth gave up the ghost which necessitated the call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to address and begin the process in employing qualified Doctors and do everything possible to prevent the brain drain syndrome.