In a landmark move to strengthen youth development and expand job opportunities, the Federal Government has commenced the formal professionalisation of youth work in Nigeria. The initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, is being implemented in partnership with Yakubu Gowon University, the Nigeria Youth Workers Association (NYWA), and other critical stakeholders.
The development follows the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and stems from resolutions reached during the National Council on Youth Development meeting held in Maiduguri in December 2024, where stakeholders agreed on the urgent need to recognise youth work as a formal profession.
To launch this major initiative, a workshop was held at Yakubu Gowon University under the theme *“The Nexus between Professionalisation of Youth Work and the Demographic Dividends.”* The workshop brought together policymakers, academics, and youth development advocates to chart a path for structuring youth work in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, underscored the need to align Nigeria with international best practices by giving youth workers formal recognition, training, and certification. Citing examples from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, he explained how youth work in those countries has become a specialised field with clear qualifications, ethical standards, regulatory oversight, and career pathways.
“In the UK, professional youth workers are equipped to deliver targeted interventions that enhance young people’s learning, mental well-being, and social engagement,” he said. “Such progress is the result of deliberate investments in those who work with young people.”
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s professionalisation plan will rest on three core pillars: clearly defined ethics and competencies; academic and training pathways to develop human capital; and regulatory structures that set and enforce national standards.
In a strong show of commitment, the Minister also registered as a pioneer student of the programme. The curriculum will be based on the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) Diploma in Youth Work and will be tailored to Nigeria’s needs.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, noted that although youth workers in Nigeria have played vital roles in mentoring and engaging young people, their efforts have long gone unrecognised due to a lack of institutional structures.
“This initiative aims to fix that gap by giving youth work formal recognition and legitimacy,” Olusanya said. “We are establishing frameworks that will make youth workers certified professionals, thus improving the overall quality and impact of youth development in the country.”
Also speaking, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Patricia Lar, applauded the Ministry and NYWA for driving the initiative forward. She said the collaboration marks a pivotal moment where policy, academic research, and practical engagement intersect to advance national development goals.
She added that the professionalisation framework would soon be officially launched following a high-level meeting designed to consolidate the outcomes of the workshop and build nationwide consensus.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, said the move to formalise youth work is part of efforts to institutionalise the roles and contributions of youth workers. He emphasised that the initiative will introduce clear academic and professional pathways, embed youth work in policy frameworks, and elevate it as a recognised and respected field of national service.
This professionalisation drive is expected to not only strengthen youth engagement efforts but also generate employment, support human capital development, and position Nigeria to reap the full benefits of its young population.
