The Role of Youths in Democracy and National Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Youths are the vehicle that drives development in a nation, they are the most populous and vibrant persons within a nation and they account for the most part of the labour force. According to the 2006 census, the youth population constitutes over 70% of the Nigerian population. The quality of youths and their readiness to impact actively, contributes to the development of a nation. Any nation that therefore supports the growth of her youth will not only experience swift national development but will also enjoy the benefits of democracy. The main objective of this study is to assess the role of youth in democracy and national development in Nigeria and how it can be achieved. The work made use of qualitative research method, relied on secondary sources for data collection and is anchored on the systems theory. Youths play certain salient roles in the society which include; community development, human capital development, self-help projects and youth political development. Several factors have thus hindered the Nigerian youths from being active and productive and they include; unemployment, illiteracy, lack of authentic youth programmes and organizations and poor health facilities. A few recommendations were made to help ameliorate these problems and they are; the government should endeavour to create a favourable environment for youths such as making viable policies that will produce productive youths, provide good education, quality health facilities and also ensure political socialization amongst the youths.