Nigeria killing its tomorrow today: A critical reflection on the nation’s future

Nigeria President, Bola Tinubu
By Sadiq Muhammed
 
Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, is often hailed as the “Giant of Africa” due to its immense potential, rich cultural heritage, and natural resources. Yet, this vast potential remains largely untapped, and the country is beset by problems that undermine its growth and prospects. Nigeria’s current trajectory suggests a troubling reality: it is inadvertently sabotaging its future through policies, practices, and systemic dysfunctions that stymie the aspirations of its younger generations.
 
As the world progresses into the future with rapid technological advancements, educational reform, and global cooperation, Nigeria’s youth find themselves entangled in an environment plagued by poor governance, corruption, insecurity, poverty, and an education system that struggles to equip them for the demands of modern life. The nation is effectively squandering its tomorrow by failing to nurture, protect, and invest in the dreams of its young population today.
Corruption has long been one of Nigeria’s most destructive forces, permeating nearly every aspect of society. The insidious nature of corruption goes beyond financial losses and institutional inefficiencies; it distorts the country’s social fabric and impedes the development of a fair and just society. In an environment where resources meant for education, infrastructure, healthcare, and youth development are diverted for personal gain, the future of Nigeria’s youth is left to wither.
 
The true cost of corruption is seen in the exodus of talent  known as “japa” which has become one of the country’s most significant challenges. Talented individuals, disillusioned with the system, seek better opportunities abroad, depriving Nigeria of the innovators, thinkers, and leaders needed to drive its development. This brain drain weakens the very foundations upon which Nigeria’s future could be built, leaving the country in the hands of individuals often ill equipped or unwilling to push for true progress.
Education is often heralded as the key to unlocking a nation’s potential. In Nigeria, however, the education sector is in disrepair, crippled by underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and a curriculum that fails to adapt to modern challenges. Rather than serving as a ladder to prosperity, the Nigerian education system has become a barrier, stunting the intellectual and professional growth of the youth.
Schools across the country, especially in rural areas, lack basic amenities such as electricity, clean water, and textbooks. Classrooms are overcrowded, teachers are underpaid, and strikes are commonplace. As a result, students are frequently denied a stable and comprehensive education, and the workforce is consequently ill prepared for the demands of the 21st century. In the face of global competition, Nigerian youth are at a disadvantage, unable to acquire the skills needed to thrive in a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation.
The issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria is perhaps one of the most visible indicators of the country’s underutilization of its human capital. With a youth unemployment rate of over 50%, Nigeria is squandering the potential of its young population, who should be the driving force behind the nation’s economy. Instead, young Nigerians are often left to languish, unemployed or underemployed, facing limited prospects and an uncertain future.
 
The lack of job opportunities is not solely due to a shortage of available positions; it also stems from a disconnect between educational outcomes and the needs of the labor market. Many Nigerian graduates are left unprepared for the professional world, lacking both the technical and soft skills required by employers. Moreover, the prevalence of corruption and nepotism further marginalizes qualified individuals, who often find that their efforts are undermined by a system that favors connections over competence.Nigeria has been grappling with a rise in insecurity, with the north experiencing terrorist activities from groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), while other regions contend with banditry, kidnapping, and ethnic conflicts. These issues not only destabilize communities but also rob children and young adults of their right to a peaceful life.
 
For many Nigerian youths, insecurity has become a daily reality, leaving a lasting psychological impact and affecting their quality of life. The trauma of witnessing or experiencing violence can have long-term consequences on mental health and future productivity. Beyond personal trauma, insecurity disrupts education and economic activities, dissuades investors, and creates an environment where aspirations are suffocated by fear and hopelessness. In essence, insecurity erodes the social and economic foundation upon which Nigeria’s future could be built.
 
A healthy population is essential for any nation to thrive, yet Nigeria’s healthcare system remains underfunded, poorly managed, and inaccessible to many. The lack of investment in healthcare translates to a high mortality rate, particularly among infants and young children, and a low life expectancy. Preventable diseases continue to claim lives, and the absence of proper medical infrastructure forces Nigerians to seek treatment abroad, creating an unnecessary drain on the country’s finances.Young Nigerians, particularly those in rural and impoverished areas, suffer disproportionately due to limited access to healthcare services. The prevalence of malnutrition and untreated medical conditions impedes physical and cognitive development, directly affecting educational outcomes and the future workforce. By failing to invest in the health of its citizens, Nigeria is undermining its human capital, and this failure will have repercussions for generations to come.
 
Nigeria’s leadership has frequently come under scrutiny for its apparent disconnect from the needs and aspirations of its people, especially the youth. Governance in Nigeria is often marked by short-term thinking, self-interest, and a lack of vision, with leaders who prioritize personal gain over national progress. The absence of true public servants willing to champion long-term reforms has resulted in policies that serve only the elite while leaving the masses in a perpetual state of deprivation.The impact of ineffective leadership extends beyond policy failure; it also demoralizes the youth, who see little incentive to engage in the political process or aspire to positions of influence. For a country where nearly 70% of the population is under the age of 30, the inability of leaders to connect with and inspire the younger generation is a missed opportunity of monumental proportions. Without visionary leadership to guide the nation towards sustainable development, Nigeria’s future remains perilously uncertain.
If Nigeria continues on its current path, the repercussions for future generations will be profound. The country’s youth, who should be the architects of a prosperous tomorrow, are instead marginalized, disempowered, and stripped of the resources they need to succeed. The combined effects of corruption, poor education, unemployment, insecurity, inadequate healthcare, ineffective leadership, technological neglect, and environmental degradation create a perfect storm that threatens to undo Nigeria’s future.
This trajectory also affects Nigeria’s standing on the world stage. As other nations progress, Nigeria risks being relegated to the sidelines, unable to contribute to or benefit from global advancements. This loss of relevance has dire implications for trade, diplomacy, and international cooperation, ultimately eroding Nigeria’s sovereignty and capacity to act in its best interests.While the challenges Nigeria faces are daunting, they are not insurmountable. Realizing Nigeria’s potential requires a collective commitment to change, beginning with the recognition that the nation’s current path is unsustainable.

Muhammed, sadiqu2013@gmail.com
08056859039