As the world continues to expand into a more technology-driven and competitive economy, with millions of youths globally taking advantage of emerging opportunities in education, innovation and digital skills, a Nigerian entrepreneur and tech expert, John Akhigbe, has urged Nigerian youths to embrace education and acquire the skills needed to compete in the global space.
Akhigbe, who spoke on the need for greater investment in young people, noted that financial limitations should not be allowed to prevent youths from pursuing education or developing themselves for the opportunities emerging across the world.
Speaking with newsmen during the unveiling of 100 free General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms for indigent students in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, he disclosed that youths must be empowered with the education, skills and opportunities required to become productive members of society.
He said the rapidly changing global economy had made education and continuous learning increasingly important, urging young Nigerians to look beyond immediate challenges and prepare themselves for a future where skills and knowledge would determine access to opportunities.
According to him, government alone cannot bear the responsibility of preparing the country’s growing youth population for the future, stressing that individuals, private organisations and community leaders also have important roles to play.
Akhigbe said this was part of the motivation behind the annual educational intervention of the Glade Crescent Foundation for Youth Empowerment, which he founded to support young people, particularly those whose families may struggle to meet the cost of education.
The latest intervention, which took place at the Emmanuel Primary School playing ground in Ojota on Friday, August 21, 2026, saw 100 students from low-income families receive GCE forms at no cost.
The programme, now in its seventh year, according to Akhigbe, was conceived to ensure that students who have the ability and desire to continue their education are not forced to abandon their ambitions because of financial difficulties.
He said, ‘For several years, we have supported students with GCE forms because we believe that financial circumstances should never prevent a talented young person from continuing their education.’
He added that the initiative was not merely about distributing examination forms but about giving young people a sense of possibility and encouraging them to take their future seriously.
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‘Today is not simply about giving out GCE forms; it is about providing opportunities and hope. It is about telling our young people that their dreams matter and that their community believes in them,’ he said.
The technology expert, who spent his childhood in Ojota, also called on successful Nigerians to consider investing in young people within their communities, arguing that relatively small interventions could make a significant difference in the lives of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He further linked the initiative to broader efforts to improve access to education, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying increased opportunities for young people would ultimately benefit the country.
Also speaking at the event, APC chieftain Hajia Salamatu Baiwa commended the initiative and urged more individuals to support educational development at the grassroots.
Baiwa said Akhigbe had sustained the intervention for several years, assisting young people with GCE forms and other educational needs.
‘John has been on this journey for over six years, helping young people with GCE forms and other educational needs,’ she said.
She also said the establishment of NELFUND had further strengthened efforts to reduce financial barriers to education, describing access to education as critical to the ability of young Nigerians to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
The event also featured a counselling session by Funke Ogunnaike, who encouraged the beneficiaries to develop clear goals, remain focused and make responsible decisions as they pursue their education.
The students, who expressed appreciation for the support, were urged to see the opportunity not simply as assistance with an examination but as another step towards building the qualifications and skills needed to compete in an increasingly demanding global environment.