In a recent address at the Platform’s Independence Anniversary event in Lagos, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population as a formidable asset that can reshape the world with the right support. Africa, he noted, boasts a substantial youth demographic, with Nigeria at the forefront, hosting a significant number of tech-savvy young individuals.
Minister Bosun Tijani’s address emphasized the remarkable tech talent pool in Nigeria. He stated, “If you have a second passport and you live in another country, you would find probably ten software engineers in Lagos before you find one in the UK in your cycle. Or if you are in the US, before you find one software engineer there, you would find ten in Lagos, or in Nairobi, or in Jo’burg. That’s the reality.” The event, titled ‘Africa Rising Continent – Nigeria’s Strategic Role,’ underlined the potential of African youth.
He further emphasized the crucial role of Nigeria’s youth in shaping the future, saying, “We are the future. And you know why we are the future here? We are a continent of 1.2 billion, and forty per cent of those are young people – across Africa – I believe under the age of 25. And this is where Nigeria is important. It is not just that we show off for the sake of showing off. In Nigeria, it is 60 per cent of our 220 million people who are under the age of 25, which means we have the ingredient that is actually going to power the world because these young people are digital natives. And if we give them the resources, they can actually become that engine that the world requires to be able to strive.”
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Minister Tijani also lauded the exceptional human capital of Nigeria, pointing out that Nigerians can be found in prominent academic institutions worldwide. He said, “There is no top academic institution in the world that you don’t see a Nigerian.” He commended Nigerians for their unwavering drive to make a positive impact, noting that “Most Nigerians are always restless no matter how much they have achieved. They always want to contribute.”
In conclusion, Minister Bosun Tijani’s remarks underscore the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth, particularly in the digital sphere. With the right support and resources, they have the capacity to lead Nigeria and Africa into a brighter, tech-driven future, contributing significantly to the global digital landscape.
