The Future Pathways Development Initiative (FPDI) has announced that expressions of interest for its Youth Policy Reform Challenge have reached 1,371, while it has received 322 policy submissions.

The 2026 conference, scheduled to hold on August 12 at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State will bring together young Nigerians, policymakers and governance experts to deliberate on institutional reforms and youth participation in public policymaking, is .

The conference, themed “Rebuilding Trust: Institutional Reforms for Effective Governance,” will also feature the grand finale of the Policy Challenge, a national competition designed to identify and promote innovative policy solutions developed by young Nigerians.

The organisers said the conference aims to move beyond policy discussions by creating a platform where young people can present practical proposals aimed at strengthening governance, improving public service delivery and enhancing citizen participation.

According to FPDI, the decision to move the conference from Abuja, which hosted the maiden edition in 2025, to Ibadan reflects its commitment to decentralising national policy conversations.

The organisation disclosed that participation in this year’s Policy Challenge increased significantly, with 1,371 expressions of interest and 322 policy submissions from 33 states across the country. It added that it now has an active presence in 67 tertiary institutions nationwide.

Director of FPDI, Arinola Addo Daniel, described the geographical spread of participants as one of the most significant outcomes of the initiative, adding that its growth was reflected not only in the number of entries but also in the increasing participation of young people from communities where policy engagement has traditionally been limited.

According to him, the competition is creating opportunities for more young Nigerians to contribute ideas on national development and governance.

The conference will culminate in the Policy Challenge Finals, where shortlisted teams will defend their proposals before a panel of judges drawn from government, academia and the development sector.

FPDI said the winning teams will receive prizes worth about ₦4 million, alongside paid internship opportunities, media exposure and continued engagement with its network of policy practitioners, government professionals and governance experts.

Founder of FPDI, Ayokunnu Ojeniyi, said the initiative was created to expand opportunities for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in policy development.

He said many policy decisions affecting young people are often made without their direct involvement, adding that the conference aims to provide a platform where their ideas can be heard and considered.

According to him, the initiative is focused on nurturing a new generation of policy thinkers and practitioners capable of contributing to governance reforms and national development.

The organisers also announced a lineup of activities, including SpotOn Talks, a fireside chat, a mock parliamentary session and an expert panel discussion focused on governance and institutional reforms.

Among the confirmed speakers are Hon. Seyi Adisa, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and lawyer, and Mr. Khalil Nur Khalil, Chief Economic Adviser to the Katsina State Government. FPDI said additional speakers would be announced ahead of the conference.

FPDI said attendance at the Policy Conference for Youth 2026 is open to both physical and virtual participants, with registration offered free of charge.

The Future Pathways Development Initiative is an Abuja-based public policy and governance organisation that promotes governance reform by equipping young people, civic actors and institutions with the skills and opportunities to engage in policymaking across Nigeria.