Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, has urged youths to reconsider their plan for a 10-day protest starting August 1. Speaking in Abuja during a visit from the newly constituted National Students Management Council (NSMC), she emphasized that peace and stability are crucial for Nigeria to fulfill its goals.
Ibrahim acknowledged the economic difficulties caused by high food prices and the global impact of COVID-19 on the economy, asserting that the government is actively addressing these issues. She urged young people to avoid actions that might disrupt the law and stressed that the current administration, under President Bola Tinubu, is committed to supporting students through various initiatives.
These initiatives include the student loan scheme, the establishment of a Youth Development Bank for aspiring entrepreneurs, and the rehabilitation of 42 Youth Development Centres into centres of excellence in partnership with the private sector.
Jacob Ternenge, a council member, supported Ibrahim’s stance against the planned protest, promising to work towards persuading students and youth to avoid participating. Sunday Asefon, another council member, noted that the council would collaborate with relevant ministries to ensure that government policies on youth and education reach the grassroots effectively.