Today Nigeria joins the rest of the world to marks the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day, a global celebration emphasizing the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
This year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” highlights the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies on the future of work and education.
The world faces a significant skills gap, with 450 million youth lacking adequate labor market skills. The International Labour Organization reports that youth unemployment rates are more than thrice the adult rate, with 15.6% of young people worldwide unemployed in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this issue, underscoring the need for adaptable skills and lifelong learning.
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To address this challenge, governments, educators, and private sector stakeholders are urged to collaborate on funding digital skills training, supporting grassroots innovations, and amplifying youth voices in decision-making.
Some Corps member in Port Harcourt, Miss Judith Henry and Miss Isioma Johnson, said skills acquisition selection programmes by relevant stakeholders should be based on merit and highlighted the importance of acquiring skills.
To unlock the future, we must invest in our youth today. Let’s celebrate World Youth Skills Day by empowering youth with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
