FG Moves to Recognize Youth Work as a Profession in Nigeria

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has launched a major initiative to professionalize youth work in Nigeria, aiming to formally recognize it as a distinct and structured career path. The move is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the University of Abuja, the Nigeria Youth Workers Association (NYWA), and other key stakeholders.

This development, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aligns with resolutions from the 2024 National Council on Youth Development held in Maiduguri. A workshop to drive the initiative, themed “The Nexus between Professionalisation of Youth Work and the Demographic Dividends,” was held at the University of Abuja.

Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, emphasized global models from countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, where youth work is already recognized and regulated.

He highlighted that Nigeria’s approach will focus on three pillars: professional ethics and competency standards, academic pathways, and robust regulatory frameworks.

He also pledged his personal commitment by enrolling as a pioneer student in the new programme, which will adopt modules from the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Diploma.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Olusanya, delivering his address at the Workshop on the Professionalisation of Youth Work in Nigeria, held at the University of Abuja.

Permanent Secretary Olubunmi Olusanya noted that the initiative aims to elevate youth workers into certified professionals, while Prof. Patricia Lar, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, hailed it as a milestone for youth development policy and practice.

Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, stated that institutionalizing youth work will create clear frameworks and standards, ensuring those involved are equipped and professionally empowered.