There are moments in history when a leader’s words strike a deep chord, not because they inspire hope, but because they expose a painful disconnect between the rulers and the ruled. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently threw down the gauntlet to the nation’s youth, daring them to “look him in the face and tell him what’s wrong.”
For many young Nigerians, the question wasn’t just bold—it was infuriating. Was this a genuine invitation for dialogue, or just another instance of political posturing? In a country where young people struggle daily against economic hardship, unemployment, and government indifference, the statement felt less like an invitation and more like an insult.
But let’s take Tinubu up on his challenge. If Nigerian youths had the opportunity to respond, what would they say?
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Nigerian youths feel abandoned by the very system that is supposed to uplift them. This is a country where:
- Over 53% of youths are either unemployed or underemployed (NBS, 2023).
- The education system is crumbling, leaving graduates with degrees but no job prospects.
- Corruption continues to widen the gap between the privileged few and the struggling masses.
For decades, Nigerian leaders have promised a better future, but what has really changed? Instead of opportunity, many youths have inherited frustration, watching as political elites amass wealth while they struggle to afford basic necessities.
The Irony of the Challenge: Is Tinubu Really Ready to Listen?
If Tinubu sincerely wants to know what’s wrong, he only needs to revisit the past few years. Nigerian youths have spoken—loudly—but has he or any of his predecessors truly listened?
- In 2020, the #EndSARS protests saw thousands of young Nigerians take to the streets, demanding an end to police brutality. The government’s response? Violence, arrests, and suppression.
- Youths have repeatedly expressed their frustration over economic policies that worsen their living conditions. The response? More taxes, subsidy removals, and rising inflation.
- The 2023 elections saw an unprecedented wave of youth participation, yet many believe the process was marred by irregularities. The message was clear: Young Nigerians want real change, not recycled leadership.
So, when Tinubu asks Nigerian youths to “look him in the face,” the question is—does he truly want answers, or is he merely dismissing their concerns as noise?
Economic Hardship: The Reality Nigerian Youths Face
One of the biggest grievances Nigerian youths have is the dire economic situation. Life in Nigeria has become a daily struggle, with:
- Unemployment skyrocketing as companies shut down due to poor government policies.
- Inflation hitting record highs, making food, rent, and transport unaffordable.
- The Naira in free fall, destroying savings and increasing poverty.
Young people aren’t lazy; they are simply running out of options. Many are forced into “hustle culture,” juggling multiple jobs just to survive. Yet, instead of policies that empower them, the government seems more interested in controlling them through heavy taxation and economic restrictions.
Insecurity and Violence: Youths Living in Fear
Nigerian youths don’t just face economic hardship; they also live in constant fear. Every day, they are confronted with:
- Rising kidnappings and banditry, making even short-distance travel a risk.
- Police brutality, despite the supposed disbandment of SARS.
- Cult violence and political thuggery, often enabled by the very system that should protect them.
If Tinubu wants to know what’s wrong, he should ask why young Nigerians feel safer outside their own country than within it.
The Brain Drain Crisis: Why Young Nigerians Are Fleeing
“Japa” is no longer just slang—it’s a survival strategy. Nigeria is losing its brightest minds because:
- The cost of living is unbearable, and salaries don’t match inflation.
- Lack of security makes staying in Nigeria a dangerous gamble.
- Education and healthcare are deteriorating, forcing many to seek better opportunities abroad.
Instead of creating conditions that encourage young talent to stay, the government appears indifferent to this mass exodus. If a leader dares to ask what’s wrong, shouldn’t they also be worried about why their country is becoming one of the biggest exporters of human capital?
Education in Shambles: A Future Stolen from the Youth
It’s ironic that Nigeria’s leaders send their children to prestigious schools abroad while local students endure:
- Repeated ASUU strikes that disrupt academic calendars.
- Overcrowded classrooms with poor infrastructure.
- A lack of research funding, making Nigerian degrees less competitive globally.
If education is truly the foundation of a nation’s future, what does that say about Nigeria’s future when its youths are being failed at every level?
It is no overstatement that Nigerian youth are disillusioned with the very system that ought to uplift them. In Nigeria today, the situation is very harsh. Over 53% of the youth are unemployed or underemployed (NBS, 2023). This means that the majority of young Nigerians do not have a good job or even a job, yet they have passed through school.
The education system has failed. Schools and colleges are not preparing graduates to secure a good job. Hence, most graduates are left with diplomas but without a job offer even near. This failure makes many frustrated and confused.
Corruption just aggravates the situation. The gulf between a handful of rich, powerful people and the poor majority gets larger by the day. Nigerian politicians have made empty promises of a better tomorrow for years now, and things barely improve. Hope and promise are lost upon a vast majority of young people who are left with a deep sense of disillusionment as they witness political elites getting richer while they can barely afford the bare necessities of life.
If Tinubu truly wants to know what has gone wrong, he must look hard back at the past few years. The Nigerian youth has cried out loudly and clearly—but has he, or any past leader, ever heard?
In 2020, during the #EndSARS protests, thousands of young Nigerians marched into the streets. They demanded an end to police brutality—a demand that was made after years of injustice and frustration. Instead of hearing them out, the government responded with brutality, mass arrests, and a violent crackdown on peaceful protests.
Again and again, young Nigerians have complained of economic policies that are making life harder. Every time the youths stage street protests against deteriorating living standards, the government reaction is not succor but more taxes, removal of subsidies, and increased inflation. They only add to the hardships that common Nigerians face every day.
Then came the 2023 elections—a period when more youths voted than ever before, calling for change. But most perceived a process tainted by contradictions and obscurity. The message was clear and loud: young Nigerians are not calling for recycled leadership; they are calling for real, fundamental change.
And when Tinubu calls on Nigerian youth to “look him in the face,” one has to wonder: is he actually appealing for honesty and a give-and-take that leads to movement forward, or is he simply dismissing their earnest interests as mere background chatter?
Tinubu Asked for Answers—Are Nigerian Youths Ready to Speak?
So, Mr. President, here are some answers:
- The economy is broken.
- Insecurity is out of control.
- Education is collapsing.
- Corruption is still the biggest disease killing Nigeria.
Now, the real question is: What will Tinubu do with these answers?
For Nigerian youths, the challenge is also clear. It’s not enough to complain—change must be actively pursued. The future of Nigeria depends on whether young people choose to remain passive victims or take charge of their own destiny.
Join the Debate!
If you had the chance to speak directly to Tinubu, what would you say? Share your thoughts in the comments!