By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The opening day of a two-day development forum at the University of Abuja drew strong emotions on Monday as students praised ActionAid Nigeria for what many described as a “life-changing” capacity-building programme designed to prepare young Nigerians for life after graduation.

Priscilla Omoye, a 300-level student of Political Science and International Relations, said she felt “deeply grateful” for the opportunity.
“Thank you, ActionAid, for giving us the training that prepares us for the future,” she told journalists. “This programme saves us from roaming around looking for opportunities. Now we know the opportunities are already within reach.”

Another participant, Joseph Ezechukwu, echoed the sentiment, describing the training as an eye-opener.
“This opportunity has helped us understand how to remain relevant to ourselves and to society after graduation,” he said. “I am grateful to ActionAid for bringing this here.”

Building Career-Ready Graduates

Speaking during a session on career readiness, Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, Business Development and Innovation Specialist at ActionAid Nigeria, challenged the students to develop five concrete skills they can perform excellently. He urged them to think beyond the trend of “Japa”—emigration—and instead explore local opportunities.

“Before thinking of leaving the country, they must first understand the opportunities that exist here,” he said. He encouraged students to think innovatively, turn waste into wealth, and make themselves visible through internships and hands-on learning.

Ademefun reminded them that many global innovations—including Facebook—began as simple problem-solving ideas.
“The future is skill. Internship opportunities, the green economy, and converting waste to wealth—these will shape tomorrow’s workforce,” he added.

Leadership experts at the event highlighted that more than 65% of Nigeria’s current political officeholders have roots in student unionism, underscoring the importance of early civic engagement. Students were also coached on earning legitimate income and developing personal agency.
“You have the world in your hands. Don’t wait for opportunities—create them,” said ActionAid’s Head of Programme, Celestine Odo.

Corruption: A Persistent Threat

Addressing governance and accountability, Dr. Otive noted that corruption remains “one of the most pervasive threats” to Nigeria’s stability. He traced its roots to everyday experiences such as bribery in education and employment.
“Statistics show that 32% of young people pay bribes to secure jobs,” he said, lamenting that despite the Not-Too-Young-To-Run law, structural barriers persist.

He urged young Nigerians to hold institutions accountable and strengthen their participation in governance.
“The real difference between countries like India and China lies in enlightened leadership,” he concluded.

University Praises ActionAid Initiative

The Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja, Prof. Adeyinka, said the institution is “deeply privileged” to partner with ActionAid.
“This programme re-orients our students and broadens their understanding of how society works,” he said. “We expect that their lives will be positively transformed by the time the training ends.”

Prof. Adeyinka Adeniji and Prof. James Nda Jacob, who delivered the university’s welcome address, emphasized that the training is intentional, targeting students in their final years.
“We want to start preparing them for the world outside the university,” Adeniji said. “In the near future, we expect to see them at greater heights.”

Day one of the programme focused on:

Climate change and youth-led climate action,
Environmental justice and sustainable solutions,
Corruption and its impact on youth, and

Digital skill acquisition and employment pathways.

Interactive question-and-answer sessions allowed students to engage deeply with facilitators, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities that await them beyond campus.