Professor Adesegun Fatusi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo State, has called on Nigerian youths to play an active role in the nation’s development by engaging in initiatives that can drive transformation.
Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria National Youth Index (NNYI) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Fatusi emphasized the significant responsibility of youth in shaping the country’s future.
“The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth,” Professor Fatusi stated, highlighting their role as active participants rather than mere beneficiaries of development.
He stressed the importance of equipping young people with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world. He noted that insights from the NNYI will aid stakeholders in identifying gaps and ensuring that all young people contribute to national growth.
The NNYI, developed under the SPARKLE project of the University of Medical Sciences with support from the Ford Foundation, aims to provide a policy-driven, practical approach to measuring and monitoring youth development across various dimensions.
Dr. Olorunfemi Ogundele, the Project Coordinator, reiterated that the NNYI’s development involved collaboration among various stakeholders in youth development, including academic institutions and researchers.
He explained that the index analyzes critical areas defined in Nigeria’s National Youth Policy, such as education, employment, health, and gender inclusion. The NNYI serves as a foundation for evidence-informed advocacy and targeted youth development interventions.
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The event also featured the unveiling of the logo for the upcoming Nigeria Conference on Adolescent and Young People’s Health and Development, scheduled for August 2025 in Port Harcourt.
The conference, organized by the Society for Adolescent and Young People’s Health in Nigeria (SAYPHIN), is themed “The Evolving Adolescent and Youth in a Digital Age: Building Resilient Young People in a Changing World,” as revealed by Professor Omosivie Maduka, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee.
Professor Fatusi’s remarks highlight the importance of youth engagement in national development, signaling a call to action for young Nigerians to take initiative and contribute to their country’s future.
