President Bola Tinubu prepares to present the 2026 budget to the National Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu says the core of his administration’s economic and institutional reforms is to equip Nigeria’s fast-growing youth population with competitive skills and provide a future anchored on education-driven prosperity.
Tinubu made the remarks on Monday when he received the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja. The meeting also discussed preparations for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award events holding in Lagos.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu emphasised that education remains a strategic tool for reducing poverty and unlocking opportunities for millions of young Nigerians.
“Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” the President said.
He noted that youth development will feature prominently in discussions at this week’s G-20 meetings, where Africa is hosting the summit for the third time.
“And the central issue is about our youth. We need to strengthen the economy for our youths,” he added.
Tinubu said the reform agenda reflects careful attention to Nigeria’s demographics and the need to build relevant skills that match global standards.
“The reforms are about growth and prosperity for the nation. It takes into full consideration demography and skills development. We are emulating best practices in exploring opportunities in several areas of skills development.”
The President highlighted the recently launched student loan initiative as one of the government’s flagship interventions designed to expand access to higher education.
“We have a special education loan fund now that ensures that no one is left behind… Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty.”
Tinubu added that reforms extend across multiple sectors, citing expanding fibre-optic infrastructure to widen digital access, improve security, and create enabling conditions for youth-focused innovation. He also commended humanitarian organisations for supporting communities affected by terrorism.
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria’s median age of 17 underscores the urgency of policies that expand skills development and participation for young people.
Prince Edward praised the administration’s reform efforts, saying they have drawn positive international attention. He noted that the upcoming Lagos events would honour 320 Nigerian youths who have demonstrated exceptional skill, passion and civic responsibility.
“We have seen the guidance of the Minister of Finance, who has been a brilliant trustee and a champion of the young people,” the Duke added.
Other attendees included the British High Commissioner, Sir Richard Montgomery; the Duke’s Private Secretary, Alex Potts; the Award’s Secretary-General, Martin Houghton-Brown; and Chair of the Africa Region, Muhoho Kenyatta.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education programme delivered through schools, youth groups and community organisations, designed to build resilience, leadership and practical skills among young people.
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