The Key to Turning Today’s Students Into Tomorrow’s Leaders.

• Change is the one thing that is constant, and it happens rapidly
• Supporting the youth and young leaders is the way to ascertain a positive future
• This article helps understand the why and how to properly harness the resources required to achieve the goal of a better Nigeria

The world is in a constant state of flux. Things are changing at a rapid pace. Nigeria, like any other country, is experiencing rapid developments. Ensuring that the country continues to develop and does not get left behind is the responsibility of the Nigeria youth.

Though as a country we seem to be lagging in updating capacity, it is never too late for change. The recent happenings such as the ENDSARS peaceful protest turned bloodbath, blatant rigging of the electoral process, to mention but a few, have shown that academic intelligence and brain power alone is not enough to solve the issues at hand. We need to develop more soft skills such as team work, communication skills, and people management, to better our fighting chances against stagnant practices. 

Harnessing our economic resources in order to build a sustainable future for the youth as the custodians of the future is essential. To accomplish this goal, the following assets should be put in place:

Proper Help System

General research and consensus shows that most university students suffer from psychological issues like stress, depression, and other disorders. However, the counseling units might as well be non-existent as not much is done to help. An average Nigerian teenager is often told to ‘suck it up’ and just graduate, some more harshly than others, to the stage where depression is seen as normal and not properly addressed. This remains an issue that should be properly addressed through provision of adequate guidance and counseling units as well as professionals in the required field. Even student body unions should have provisions for such issues.

Grants and Scholarships

Knowing that the financial burden of education is not an issue would definitely ease the mind of any student. It would also help reduce the resulting stress that could arise from worrying about such external factors. Of course, it should not be a free for all option. Rather, it should be reserved for those truly in need or who have shown exceptional academic behavior or otherwise. Scholarships would also help motivate other students to do better to make them eligible for such privileges. Like the saying goes, it takes a whole community to educate a child, and I believe that putting such a system in place would help students be in a better position academically, financially, and mentally.

Entrepreneurship Programs

As earlier stated, academic skills alone might not be enough to turn the tide in our favor. This is why all other plausible areas should be considered. Entrepreneurship is one of those important areas. Thus, plans for entrepreneurial startups should be made for students who show strong interest and skill in the various fields it entails. Provision of capital for small scale businesses, establishment of entrepreneurial plans, and entrepreneurial opportunities should be considered to better equip youth.

A fine example is the Lagos Employment Trust Fund which is an empowerment scheme in Lagos state for students and adults alike to learn a skill or vocation. They provide the graduates with machinery for their various fields after a learning period of 6 months to 1 year. The students also get paid on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on their choice.

Such actions are however not limited to the Government. Non-governmental and nonprofit organizations should also chip in and help in the general empowerment of youth.

Mentorship

Mentorship for students and young adults should be introduced and propagated. It plays an important role that is not only crucial but also rewarding to the mentor and mentee. Mentorship has proven to be very useful and many successful adults had one or two mentors as young adults. A study on the effect of mentorship programs in enhancing the academic performance of first MBBS students proves this to be true. The students were equally divided amongst 6 mentors  and at the end of 6 months, post exams conducted were compared to pre program performances. There was a significant change and it was concluded that it improves the academic performance of students, especially below average performers who need extra care and guidance.

Mentoring helps one achieve both personal and professional goals, as it holds both parties (mentor and mentee) accountable for the commitments and responsibilities they have towards each other. It also helps students appreciate and learn the importance of certain soft skills as well as leadership skills early in life. 

There is no doubt that we are not satisfied with the current situation of youth in Nigeria hence the clamor for change. But it would all prove futile if we were unprepared for the change we want, which is why young leaders and adults everywhere should take this time to mold and build themselves into people worthy of being leaders of the tomorrow.