The Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP) has urged Nigerian youth to embrace lifelong skills acquisition as a pathway to self-reliance, economic empowerment and sustainable development, saying practical skills remain one of the most valuable assets an individual can possess.
The call was made on Tuesday to commemorate the 2026 World Youth Skills Day, marked globally under the theme, “Skills for a Shared Future.”
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Mairo V. Bello, AHIP said the rapidly changing global economy demands that young people equip themselves with relevant technical, vocational, entrepreneurial and digital skills to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The organisation described skills as a lifelong asset that cannot be taken away, exhausted or diminished, noting that unlike money, which can be spent, or jobs that may be be lost, acquired skills remain with an individual throughout life and can continue to generate income and opportunities.
According to the organisation, many successful entrepreneurs and professionals began their careers with a single skill before expanding into sustainable businesses, demonstrating the transformative power of continuous learning and innovation.
AHIP said investing in skills development remains one of the most effective strategies for tackling youth unemployment, poverty and social inequality, particularly in developing countries where millions of young people face limited employment opportunities.
The organisation observed that today’s labour market increasingly rewards competence, creativity, innovation and problem-solving abilities alongside academic qualifications, making lifelong learning essential for career growth and economic resilience.
It called on governments, educational institutions, development partners, the private sector and community leaders to expand access to quality technical, vocational and digital skills programmes, especially for adolescents, young people, girls and other vulnerable groups.
According to AHIP, greater investment in youth skills development will help unlock the enormous potential of Nigeria’s youthful population while accelerating economic growth and national development.
The organisation also encouraged young people to take advantage of vocational training opportunities, internships, mentorship programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and digital literacy schemes to enhance their employability and create sustainable livelihoods.
AHIP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting adolescent development, youth empowerment and inclusive opportunities through advocacy, capacity building and community-based interventions aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy.