The Vice-Chancellor, of Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Prof. Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed has called on the Nigerian youths to focus on self-employment instead of waiting for a white cola job.
Prof. Sabo made this known in his office in Jigawa state on Tuesday while playing host to the delegation of Nigerian youths under the balcony of the Youth & Civil Society Coalition for Development, YCSCD, led by the President of the organization, Comr. Aminu Aminu.
While speaking, the Vice Chancellor assures the youth body of the university’s partnership and collaborations in engaging the Nigerian youth in skill acquisition, community service, and all forms of youth capacity programs and activities.
According to him, “Community service relating to youth development encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at supporting and enhancing the well-being and growth of young people, some of which are, Mentoring Programs: Volunteer as a mentor for young people in your community. Mentorship programs provide guidance, support, and positive role models to help young individuals navigate challenges and make positive life choices.
“Tutoring and Academic Support: Offer tutoring services or create a study group to assist young students with their academic studies. This can include subjects such as math, science, reading, or writing.
“Sports and Recreation Programs: Organize or volunteer for sports and recreational activities for young people. This can involve coaching a youth sports team, leading a summer camp, or organizing community sports tournaments.
“Career Development Workshops: Conduct workshops or seminars that focus on career exploration, resume building, interview skills, and job search strategies. These initiatives help young people develop the necessary skills and knowledge for future employment.
“Leadership and Life Skills Training: Develop and deliver workshops or training sessions that focus on leadership development, communication skills, problem-solving, and decision-making. These programs empower young individuals to become effective leaders and contributors to their communities.
“Volunteer in Youth Centers: Offer your time and skills at local youth centers, after-school programs, or community centers. You can assist with organizing activities, supervising events, or providing guidance and support to young people in a safe and nurturing environment.
“Community Outreach and Advocacy: Get involved in initiatives that raise awareness about issues affecting young people, such as bullying, mental health, substance abuse, or teen pregnancy. Participate in awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, or community events to support positive change.
“Environmental Stewardship: Engage young people in environmental conservation and sustainability activities. This can involve organizing clean-up events, planting trees, promoting recycling, or educating youth about the importance of protecting the environment.
“Remember, when engaging in community service relating to youth development, it is essential to collaborate with local organizations, schools, and youth-focused nonprofits to ensure that your efforts are aligned with the needs and priorities of the community.
“It is at this point we are making ourselves as a university available for partnership in order to help the youth build a future for themselves” he added.
The President of the group, Comr. Aminu Aminu earlier in his welcome address pointed out that Youth play a crucial role in community development projects. Their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives bring new ideas and solutions to address local challenges, stressing that Youth can actively participate in community development projects by attending meetings, workshops, and events related to the project. They can provide input, share their experiences, and contribute to decision-making processes. Project Planning and Implementation: Youth can be involved in the planning and implementation stages of community development projects. They can help identify needs, set goals, develop strategies, and oversee project activities. Their creativity and innovative thinking can bring fresh ideas to the table.
” Community Engagement: Youth can engage with community members to raise awareness, build relationships, and mobilize support for the project. They can organize community events, conduct surveys, and facilitate discussions to involve diverse voices and ensure the project meets community needs.
“Advocacy and Outreach: Youth can be advocates for the project, raising awareness about its importance and benefits. They can use social media, public speaking, and other communication channels to spread the word, mobilize resources, and gain support from individuals and organizations.
“Skill Development and Training: Youth can participate in training programs and workshops related to community development. This helps them acquire skills such as leadership, project management, communication, and problem-solving, making them better equipped to contribute effectively.
“Technology and Innovation: Youth often have a strong grasp of technology and can leverage it to drive community development projects. They can develop websites, design digital campaigns, or use social media platforms to engage with a wider audience and promote the project’s objectives.
“Sustainable Development: Youth can play a significant role in promoting sustainable practices within community development projects. They can advocate for environmentally friendly initiatives, promote recycling and waste reduction, and encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources.
“Mentorship and Peer Education: Youth who have gained knowledge and experience through community development projects can serve as mentors or peer educators for other youth. They can share their experiences, offer guidance, and inspire others to become actively involved in community development initiatives.
“It is important to provide youth with opportunities for leadership, skill development, and meaningful engagement throughout the project. Their involvement not only benefits the community but also empowers them to become responsible and active citizens”, Aminu said.
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