Young Nigerians have been urged to leverage technology, global education and international collaborations to enhance their competitiveness and position themselves for career opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

The charge was given in Ibadan during the Unlock Youth Impact Experience, organised by The Nucleus Global in partnership with JSAY Prevarsity under the theme: “Discover. Grow. Lead. Impact: Discovering Your Future in a Changing World.”

Speaking at the event, Founder of JSAY Prevarsity and Convener of The Nucleus Global, Mrs. Olajumoke Akere, urged participants to equip themselves with future-ready skills capable of preparing them for leadership, education and career advancement.

She said the initiative was designed to expose young people to practical knowledge that would enable them to discover their potential, build meaningful networks and develop innovative ideas that could shape their future.

“The programme is intended to prepare young people for leadership, education, careers and life. Participants should maximise the opportunity to engage in transformational learning, ask questions, collaborate and develop ideas that will positively influence their future,” she said.

Akere identified inadequate access to information as one of the major barriers preventing many young Nigerians from taking advantage of global opportunities, urging them to cultivate a culture of research, resilience and continuous learning.

She stressed that technological advancement and digitalisation had transformed the world into a global community, making it imperative for youths to develop a global mindset.

According to her, numerous scholarships, international exchange programmes and career opportunities remain underutilised because many prospective beneficiaries fail to conduct adequate research, satisfy application requirements or meet submission deadlines.

She also called on governments at all levels to invest more in education, research and skills development, arguing that improved educational infrastructure and supportive policies would create greater opportunities for young people and reduce the growing desire to emigrate.

“There are countless opportunities available globally, but many people miss them because they are unwilling to research, prepare adequately and meet application deadlines,” she added.

Also speaking, education enthusiast Miss Omotara Akere said digital technology had significantly reduced geographical barriers, enabling young people to study, work and collaborate with organisations across the world without necessarily relocating.

She urged participants to intentionally seek scholarships, internships, international education and collaborative opportunities beyond their immediate environment.

“The world has become a global village. It is no longer just about travelling abroad but about expanding your learning, building global networks and making meaningful contributions wherever you are,” she said.

In his keynote address, Pastor Sylvester Orelu challenged the participants to discover their purpose and identity, stressing that genuine success is rooted in self-awareness rather than the pursuit of material wealth.

He said many young people remained limited because they had yet to recognise their abilities, urging them to embrace personal development, acquire knowledge and pursue purposeful living.

According to Orelu, individuals who understand their purpose are better positioned to make lasting contributions to society and achieve enduring success.