The Forum for Oke-Ogun Progress (FFOP) held its 4th annual Education Summit on December 28, 2024, with a focus on “Enhancement of National Productivity through Youth Empowerment in Nigeria”.
The event, which took place virtually via Google Meet, attracted a diverse range of participants, including youth from universities across the country, educators, and key figures in the academic community.
Dr. Imran Saheed Adekunle (FCA), the Founder and President of FFOP, kicked off the summit with a welcome address. He congratulated the fifteen students who excelled in the FFOP/Kareem Alao Scholarship Aptitude Test, which took place earlier in December. Dr. Adekunle emphasized the transparency and merit-based nature of the scholarship process, noting that students receive their results immediately after completing the test, ensuring a fair and open selection.
He further remarked, “The award of scholarship is annually conducted only to the glory of God. It is also conducted to academically enrich the future of this country.”
The summit featured two insightful presentations. The first, by Prof. Taofeek Abdulazeez, Professor of Communication and Language Arts at the University of Abuja, stressed the critical role of youth in national productivity. He noted that while education is important, practical skills and entrepreneurship are the true drivers of productivity.
Prof. Abdulazeez stated, “National productivity relies heavily on youth as wealth creators. Education is needed, but not necessarily university education, skills matter more.” He also discussed how social engagement contributes to national development, emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment in addressing Nigeria’s productivity challenges.
The second presentation by Prof. Y.K. Yusuf, Professor of English Language at Obafemi Awolowo University, reiterated the need for collective action to improve national productivity. He spoke about the untapped potential of youth, noting that they possess the ability to dream, pursue goals, and overcome challenges. “Youth assets include ability to dream boldly, pursue dreams and restart after failures,”
Prof. Yusuf remarked. However, he also criticized the entitlement mentality among some youths, urging them to take personal responsibility for creating opportunities rather than waiting for government intervention.
As part of the summit, 15 deserving university students from Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, were awarded scholarships covering their tuition from year one through to graduation. The scholarship recipients expressed their gratitude, acknowledging how the support has positively impacted their academic journey.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Adekunle called for enhanced public-private partnerships, strategic investments in youth development, and a renewed focus on skill development from the secondary school level. He urged the government to craft policies that address real challenges and foster a productive workforce.
The summit concluded with several key recommendations for improving Nigeria’s national productivity, including an emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and robust mentorship programs to guide the next generation of leaders.
The Forum for Oke-Ogun Progress remained committed to providing educational support, fostering skills development, and empowering Nigerian youths to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth.
