The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, has been inducted into the Commonwealth Postgraduate Programme in Youth Development Work at Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, following the Federal Government’s revival of the academic programme after years of inactivity.
Olawande was inducted alongside youth development officers from the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro.
Speaking during the induction ceremony, the minister described the revival of the programme as a significant step towards strengthening professional youth development practice in Nigeria.
According to him, building a prosperous future for young Nigerians requires more than goodwill and enthusiasm, stressing that it demands trained professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to deliver sustainable impact.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to positioning youth work as a recognised and respected profession while deepening evidence-based policymaking, research, and the adoption of global best practices to improve outcomes for Nigerian youths.
Olawande urged participants to take full advantage of the programme, noting that the knowledge and expertise acquired would serve as a long-term investment in the future of millions of young Nigerians.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen the capacity of youth development professionals across the country and further advance the government’s efforts to build an inclusive, skilled and empowered youth population capable of driving national development.
