Adopt 21st-century skills to be employable, FG tells youths

The Federal Government on Friday urged young people in the country to actively develop and adopt crucial 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communication to be more attractive candidates in the eyes of potential employers.

According to the government, these skills are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job market and effectively combating the rising issue of unemployment.

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made the appeal during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration, themed “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” with the sub-theme “Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth,” held in Abuja.

Olawande called on Nigerian youths to invest their time and effort into developing a range of essential skills and competencies.

According to the elevated Minister, by actively engaging in the pursuit, young individuals can significantly enhance their employability, making them more attractive candidates in the eyes of potential employers.

The Minister emphasized that the theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” serves as an endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, adding that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

He said: “This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent.”

Speaking in the same vien, Professor Ahmed Adamu, a lecturer at Nile University, stated in his paper presentation that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs are expected to be created.

Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

He argued that it is crucial for young people today to not only stay informed about emerging technologies but also to actively engage in learning and development opportunities that will prepare them for these new roles.

Adamu added that by doing so, they can position themselves to benefit from the influx of new job opportunities instead of being left behind in an increasingly competitive job market.