This report, titled “State of the Nigerian Youth 2025,” is a collaborative effort led by Plan International Nigeria and ActionAid Nigeria, in partnership with the Democracy Convening Alliance
The publication was authored and reviewed by a dedicated team of experts including:
- Plan International Nigeria: Tunde Aremu (Policy, Research, and Influencing Manager), Jonathan Abakpa, Esq. (Advocacy and Youth Programme Officer), and Queeneth Njoku (Communication Advisor).
- ActionAid Nigeria: Ejembi John (Advisor), Josephine Adokwu (Move Programme Officer), and Ugochukwu Onuoha (Communications Advisor and Designer).
The report is built upon the “We Listen Survey,” a nationwide initiative designed to capture the lived experiences, aspirations, and urgent concerns of young Nigerians regarding unemployment, insecurity, and governance.
Executive Summary
With over 60% of Nigeria’s 200 million people under the age of 30, the nation possesses a massive “demographic dividend” that remains largely untapped due to structural and legal barriers.
Key Challenges Highlighted:
- Economic Crisis: Despite 1.7 million graduates entering the workforce annually, nearly 80 million youths (53%) remain unemployed.
- Insecurity: Kidnapping and banditry are the top concerns, with over 1,500 schools closed and 1 million children out of school due to safety fears.
- Governance Gap: There is a significant trust deficit, as most youth rate the government’s responsiveness to their needs as “poor” or “very poor”.
Core Recommendations: The report advocates for a “New Social Contract” where youth are treated as active partners in decision-making. It specifically calls for Universal Basic Education to be established as a fundamental right through constitutional amendment to ensure no child is left behind due to poverty or geography.
Download a copy below.
State of the Nigerian Youth 2025: A Call for Justice, Opportunity, and Dignity (11 downloads)
