By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The University of Abuja was abuzz on Tuesday as over 200 third-year political science students gathered for a landmark two-day development forum hosted by ActionAid Nigeria. The event, which focused on empowering the next generation of leaders, delved into one of Nigeria’s most pervasive challenges: corruption, and the critical role that youth must play in dismantling its entrenched systems.

Dr. Otive Igbuzor, a renowned leadership expert, former Country Director for ActionAid Nigeria, and founding Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), delivered a compelling speech titled “Corruption and the Nigerian Youth: Understanding the Impact and Empowering a Generation for Accountability and Integrity.”

Speaking passionately before a captivated audience, Dr. Igbuzor outlined how corruption has, over the years, undermined every aspect of Nigerian society — from governance to public services. He emphasized that young people, who make up over 65% of Nigeria’s population, are both the most affected by corruption and the most critical group in the fight to eradicate it.

“Corruption is not just an issue for politicians; it is a crisis that affects our youth at every stage, from education to job placements, and even in the way we engage with the police or government officials,” Dr. Igbuzor said. “Yet, youth are also the greatest agents of change we have. The future of Nigeria’s anti-corruption struggle depends on harnessing the potential of our young people.”

The Youth Crisis in Nigeria

According to Dr. Igbuzor, corruption in Nigeria is not merely an isolated issue; it is systemic, affecting every facet of governance and public life. The economic and social consequences are felt most acutely by Nigeria’s youth, who often find themselves locked out of opportunities due to the pervasiveness of corrupt practices. Young people are regularly subjected to bribery for educational advancement, employment, and even basic public services. With youth unemployment soaring above 40%, frustration and disenchantment have become widespread, leading many to seek alternative, often illegal, paths.

“Despite their numbers, young Nigerians face systemic exclusion from meaningful participation in governance, which only fuels inequality and corruption,” Dr. Igbuzor added. “What we need now is a shift in mindset, empowering youth to be the leaders of tomorrow, today.”

Youth as Victims and Change Agents

The presentation stressed the dual role of youth: they are both the victims and, crucially, the potential change agents in the battle against corruption. Dr. Igbuzor argued that while young people have historically been marginalized, they also possess the creativity, resilience, and ethical drive needed to challenge the status quo.

Highlighting the success of youth-driven movements like #EndSARS and youth-led initiatives in civic-tech and social accountability, Dr. Igbuzor explained how young Nigerians are already taking action, using digital tools and social media to hold leaders accountable. Yet, he emphasized that their potential could only be fully realized if they are equipped with the necessary tools, from leadership development programs to robust civic education.

The solution, according to Dr. Igbuzor, lies in a concerted effort to empower Nigeria’s youth through a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, he advocated for a renewed focus on civic education, ensuring young people understand the importance of governance, accountability, and their constitutional rights. Without this foundational knowledge, true participation in governance remains out of reach.

He also called for greater institutional support to create spaces where youth can engage in meaningful political discourse, adding that young people must have a say in how policies affecting them are crafted and implemented.

In addition, Dr. Igbuzor emphasized the need for economic empowerment. With Nigeria’s youth facing one of the highest unemployment rates globally, providing access to entrepreneurial training, digital skills development, and job opportunities is essential to reducing the susceptibility to corruption.

He also suggested that innovative technology-driven platforms, which allow for real-time corruption reporting and transparency in governance, should be leveraged to enhance youth participation in the anti-corruption movement.

A key theme of Dr. Igbuzor’s address was the urgent need to cultivate leadership skills among Nigeria’s youth. He argued that leadership excellence, rather than mere technical proficiency, is what ultimately drives national transformation. Leadership, he stated, is a skill that can be developed through mentorship, value-based education, and exposure to decision-making processes.

“Leadership is not a birthright; it is a process of cultivation,” Dr. Igbuzor asserted. “For Nigerian youth to drive the anti-corruption struggle, they must be equipped with the skills to lead with integrity, vision, and courage.”

As the first day of the forum came to a close, Dr. Igbuzor left the audience with a call to action: “The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth. Their potential to transform this nation is limitless, but they must be given the resources, the education, and the platforms to rise to the occasion.”

The presentation concluded with a call for concerted efforts from all sectors of society, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to ensure that Nigeria’s young people are empowered to take charge of the nation’s future, free from the corrosive effects of corruption.

In the Spotlight: A New Generation of Leaders?

The forum, which was part of ActionAid Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and build capacity for youth leadership, provided an opportunity for students to engage directly with experts and peers. With Nigeria’s youth population set to grow even larger in the coming decades, the question remains: will they be the leaders who bring about the change the nation so desperately needs?

As Dr. Igbuzor remarked, “The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today.”