The theme of this year’s World Day of Social Justice is to “strengthen a just transition for a sustainable future.” For young people, access to quality education and decent work is fundamental to achieving social justice. With young people comprising more than 65 percent of Nigeria’s 200+ million population, harnessing the potential of this demographic dividend is not just an opportunity—it is a necessity. Failure to do so will perpetuate cycles of inequality and poverty.
Millions of young people in Nigeria face limited access to quality education, and without education, economic empowerment remains out of reach. More than 20 million children are out of school—a number equivalent to the populations of Sweden and Portugal combined. Imagine the inequalities and socio-economic barriers that would have been prevalent in these countries without access to education. For those who complete their education, transitioning from school to work remains a significant hurdle. Many face limited job opportunities, struggle to participate in the labor market, or are forced into low-paying jobs due to the country’s dwindling economy.
According to UNICEF, Nigeria’s primary school completion rate in 2020 stood at 59 percent for boys and 51 percent for girls. As they progress to secondary school, the completion rate drops further to 42 percent for boys and 36 percent for girls. At the same time, youth unemployment hovers around 33 percent, fueling economic frustration and disillusionment. How can we achieve social justice amid poor education access, low-paying jobs, and rising inflation?
READ – Shrinking Civic Space in Nigeria
Achieving social justice in education and employment is crucial to Nigeria’s attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is the pathway to eradicating extreme poverty and creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic development. It enables young girls, people living with disabilities, and youth from disadvantaged communities to thrive in a nation that acknowledges their rights and provides the educational and economic opportunities they need to succeed.
However, social justice cannot be realized without the necessary financing to bridge gaps in education and employment programs. In 2024, Nigeria allocated less than 8 percent of its total budget to education—far below UNESCO’s recommendation of 15–20 percent. Job creation initiatives like the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme and N-Power primarily target graduates of higher institutions, leaving out a significant portion of youth who lack formal education or technical skills. Inadequate public funding, inconsistent private sector investment, and restrictive government policies further hinder the country’s ability to attract the financial resources required to drive impactful action.
The upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Spain presents a critical opportunity for the Nigerian government to engage with international financial institutions, donor agencies, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to secure adequate financing for inclusive youth development. If Nigeria commits to allocating 20 percent of its national budget to education, as recommended by UNESCO, will global partners step up to bridge the funding gap?
Since 2017, the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs) has been at the forefront of championing meaningful youth engagement in education, employment, and civic policies in Nigeria. In 2024 alone, we have supported more than 3,000 individuals and over 20 youth organizations in advocating for youth leadership. We believe that improving access to quality education and decent work is crucial to empowering our youth and laying a strong foundation for socio-economic transformation.
READ – NGYouthSDGs 2024 Impact Report
The time for action is now. As we mark this year’s World Day of Social Justice, we must push for concrete commitments from policymakers, development partners, and private sector actors. Investing in young people is not just an ethical obligation, it is a strategic move for national and global progress. The future of Nigeria depends on it.
