Nigeria's Human Capacity Crisis Reaches Critical Point
Chief Bisi Akande, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan, has issued a severe warning about Nigeria's growing human capacity crisis. Speaking at the 19th International Annual Conference of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice in Ibadan, Akande described the situation as a ticking time bomb that requires immediate government intervention.
The Gathering Storm of Untrained Youth
According to Akande, Nigeria finds itself "truly at war with itself" despite possessing abundant natural resources. The fundamental problem lies in the massive population of young Nigerians who lack the education and technical skills necessary to transform these resources into national wealth.
"We have large populations of uneducated and untrained workers who have no capacity to exploit our resources for wealth," Akande stated during his address on Tuesday. He emphasized that until Nigeria implements massive training programs in science and technology, the country will continue to struggle against wars from ignorance, poor health and abject poverty.
Security Implications of Youth Joblessness
The concerns raised by Chief Akande found strong support from former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), who delivered the keynote address. General Musa identified youth unemployment as an urgent national and global security threat that demands immediate attention.
General Musa proposed that Nigeria should view investment in entrepreneurship, vocational training and the digital economy as its most cost-effective peacekeeping strategy. He particularly highlighted the destructive impact of corruption, describing it as "economic sabotage" that systematically dismantles the foundations of peace.
"Corruption is not a victimless crime; it is an act of economic sabotage that systematically dismantles the foundations of peace," Musa asserted. He advocated for a "Grand Alliance for Peace" that would unite government, private sector, civil society, academia and security institutions to comprehensively address insecurity.
Academic Leaders Echo Concerns
Adding to the chorus of concern, Professor Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, cautioned that youth unemployment creates a reservoir of disillusionment that extremists can easily exploit. He stressed that providing decent work and fair wages remains essential for maintaining social stability.
The conference also served as an occasion to honor distinguished Nigerians with Fellowship awards. Among the recipients were Chief Akande himself, General Musa, Comptroller General of Immigration Kemi Nanna Nandap, former UI Vice Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, and former Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Prof. Adeyinka Aderinto.
The collective message from the event was clear: Nigeria must act swiftly to transform its youth population from a potential threat into a national asset through comprehensive education and skills development programs.
