Youth Engagement in Education Policy: A Nigerian Perspective

Youth engagement in education policy has become increasingly important as a means to address educational disparities and promote sustainable development in Nigeria. A qualitative approach was employed through semi-structured interviews with educators, policymakers, and youth advocacy groups to gather insights into the current state of youth engagement in education policy formulation and implementation. Youth participation showed a significant positive correlation with improved access to educational resources and better-targeted interventions, particularly in rural areas where traditional methods often fail to reach young populations effectively. The qualitative data indicates that fostering greater youth involvement can lead to more effective policy development and implementation, ultimately improving educational outcomes for Nigerian youths. Policymakers should prioritise mechanisms for inclusive participation of youth in education planning processes, such as advisory councils or youth-led initiatives, to ensure policies are tailored to the needs of young people.