Reps’ member seeks solution-driven innovation between town, gown

Urges youths to key into Tinubu’s empowerment initiatives

The lawmaker representing Akure North and Akure South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abiodun Adesida, has described as unacceptable the disconnect between education and industry in the country.

Adesida, while emphasising that education must evolve from theory-based instruction to solution-driven innovation, advocated recalibration of the country’s curricula to reflect real-world demands.

The federal legislator, who spoke yesterday while delivering a keynote address during the 15th West African Students Legislative Summit held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the empowerment initiatives of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Adesida, who was represented at the summit by his Senior Legislative Aide, Femi Fasan, said efforts must be made to harness the energy of young people in the country if there was a sincere desire for national development.

He said: “Here at FUTA, you are producing some of Nigeria’s best and brightest minds. Yet, many graduates leave the university only to face a labour market that is not ready for them. We must recalibrate our coding, robotics, renewable energy, agritech, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – these must be embedded into your academic programmes, alongside critical soft skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and civic responsibility.

“Nigeria is a nation brimming with possibilities. Our greatest resource is not beneath our soil – it walks on our streets, fills our campuses, and sits in this auditorium today. Over 75 per cent of our population is under the age of 35. This is not merely a statistic; it is a powerful lever for transformation if we can activate it.

“Yet, we find ourselves in a paradox: abundant youthful energy coexists with deep systemic barriers. High unemployment, under-employment, and social exclusion are dimming the light of our young people’s dreams.

We must institutionalise youth inclusion through a minimum 30 per cent quota in public sector projects and decision-making committees. We need to give our youths a seat at the table; that is, we need to involve them in decision-making processes and listen to their perspectives.

“Expand N-Power and similar initiatives to focus on high-tech sectors like AI, digital finance, renewable energy, and green agriculture. Youths must be at the centre of our national development agenda – not at its margins.”

The lawmaker further said, “Establish mentorship schemes that link students with alumni, industry leaders, and policymakers. And create an interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to solving local economic and development challenges.

“Adopt a “skills-for-jobs” pledge. Open up your offices for internships, apprenticeships, and research partnerships. Fund youth-led startups and provide micro-grants for innovations in technology, agriculture, health, and education. The private sector cannot afford to stand aloof, it must co-invest in Nigeria’s youth capital.

“Stop waiting to be invited – claim your space. Start something, volunteer; learn a new skill; join a community organisation; use your voice for advocacy, not just agitation. Your potential is not limited by where you were born or what you have; it is defined by what you are willing to build, endure, and transform. You are not just future leaders; you are current change makers.”