As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the country's youthful population remains a significant strength, but also raises questions about their connection to the national project. With 63 per cent of its population under 25, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Nigeria has one of the world's youngest populations. However, despite this demographic advantage, concerns persist about the translation of young Nigerians' energy and influence into meaningful participation in national affairs.
Young Nigerians are highly visible online, discussing politics, governance, economic hardship, and national issues. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether their digital influence is being effectively carried into the physical space to create sustained change. President Bola Tinubu, in his October 1 Independence Day address, called on Nigerians to move forward together, stating that the country had corrected its course and was entering an "age of prosperity." He acknowledged that millions of Nigerians still struggle with basic needs like food, school fees, and medical bills.
For some young Nigerians, the call for unity must be matched with tangible changes in their everyday experiences. Peter Fakayode, a lawyer, questioned whether young people believe in unity as strongly as previous generations did, citing inequality, insecurity, unemployment, poor governance, and injustice as major concerns. He asked, "What exactly are we united for?" Many youths do not hate Nigeria but feel the country has not given them enough reasons to trust it.
Ifedolapo Glory, a bank staff, believes Nigerian youths still believe in national unity, but frustration has weakened that belief. She identified politics, ethnicity, religion, misinformation, poverty, and competition for limited employment opportunities as contributing to division among young Nigerians. Glory suggested that improving trust, fairness, accountability, and equal opportunities, regardless of ethnic or religious background, would help strengthen young Nigerians' connection to the country.
Ayodeji Awodeyi, a freelancer, offered a more critical view, saying he does not believe the majority of Nigerian youths still believe strongly in national unity. He linked this to the country's economic and leadership conditions, citing ethnicity and corruption as major causes of division. Awodeyi suggested that providing more opportunities for young people across different areas would help address the problem.
Oladapo Joshua, a data analyst, believes Nigerian youths still have faith in national unity. He identified different motives, personal interests, tribal and cultural differences, personal beliefs, and religion as factors that can divide young Nigerians. Joshua said the country's ethnic, religious, and regional differences have remained major challenges since independence. He believes Nigerian youths can move forward together, saying, "we are more united than ever."
The contrasting views highlight that the question of national unity is not simply about whether young Nigerians want Nigeria to remain together, but also about whether they feel included in the country they are expected to shape. As Nigeria's youthful population represents both an opportunity and a challenge, the question is whether the country can build enough trust, fairness, opportunity, and inclusion to make its young population feel confident about building their future in Nigeria.
Key points
- Nigeria's youthful population raises questions about national unity 66 years after independence
- Young Nigerians' digital influence must be translated into sustained participation in national affairs
- Improving trust, fairness, and equal opportunities can strengthen young Nigerians' connection to the country
