By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Despite their diverse backgrounds, Nigerian students and youth share a common drive for equal opportunities to build prosperous futures, according to NANS President Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez.
He made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Persecondnews in Abuja on Wednesday to mark the 2026 International Youth Day.
The United Nations General Assembly declared August 12 as International Youth Day in 1999, to raise awareness of issues affecting young people, promote the UN’s World Programme of Action for Youth and recognise youths as important partners in development.
Afeez noted that young Nigerians, regardless of their backgrounds, want quality education, gainful employment and opportunities to develop their talents.
He said this year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” aptly captures the reality of Nigerian youths, whose circumstances may differ but whose fundamental aspirations remain largely the same.
“From what I have seen and heard from Nigerian students and young people, the biggest common aspiration is the desire for equal opportunity to build a meaningful and prosperous future,” he said.
The United Nations says the theme recognises that young people navigate diverse national and local realities while sharing fundamental aspirations for dignity, quality education, decent work and a sustainable future.
For Nigerian students, however, differences in location, economic background and access to education can significantly shape the opportunities available to them, making equitable access central to achieving those shared aspirations.
Afeez said government must pursue an equitable and just system where every young person can explore and showcase their potential, regardless of background, geography or access to education.
“I believe, and have always clamoured, for an equitable and just system where everyone is given equal opportunity to explore and showcase their latent potential, regardless of their background, geography or access to education”, he told PersecondNews.
He said such equity must be reflected in government policies, stressing that interventions should not be designed primarily around the needs of the elite while leaving other young Nigerians behind.
“Government must formulate policies that do not solely favour the elite, but cater to the needs and aspirations of all citizens. Government must break barriers for our young people and create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed.”
Afeez also pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, as an intervention capable of reducing financial barriers to education and widening access for students from different economic backgrounds.
“The Federal Government, through initiatives such as NELFUND, has taken a significant step towards expanding access to education, irrespective of students’ economic backgrounds.”
He, however, said sustaining and expanding such interventions would be necessary to ensure that more young Nigerians can benefit from opportunities that allow them to fulfil their potential.
“What is required now is to sustain, strengthen and expand such initiatives while ensuring that every young Nigerian has a fair opportunity to fulfil their potential and succeed.”
PersecondNews correspondent reports that the NANS President’s position comes as Nigeria joins the global community to mark International Youth Day, with the theme drawing attention to the connection between young people’s different circumstances and their shared aspirations.
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