The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, delivering his keynote address at the opening of ARISE Youth Skills Week 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Credit: FMYD
Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has restated the need for practical skill acquisition among Nigerian youths, saying academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient in today’s labour market.
He made the remarks on Friday during Channels Television’s Youth Forum 2026, where he said many young Nigerians pursue higher education primarily to obtain degrees without developing the practical competencies needed for work.
“One of the things I have always emphasised is skill development. Certificates alone may not be what is needed.
“You would discover that a lot of people going to school today are just going to school to become graduates. The skill gap should be addressed at the root of the matter,” Channels TV quoted Olawande to have said.
