THE ACTING Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Patricia Lar, has announced the institution’s readiness to introduce Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s, and Doctoral programmes in Youth Development Work.
Professor Lar made the declaration during a high-level courtesy and advocacy visit by a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) and the Nigeria Youth Workers’ Association (NYWA) on Wednesday.
She stated that the initiative positions the university as a trailblazer in the field.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to organising a national stakeholders’ workshop as a foundational step towards formalising Youth Work education in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Despan Kwardem, Director of Education and Training at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, commended the Minister’s approval of the proposed workshop and broader efforts to professionalise youth development work.
He noted that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises governance strengthening, transparency, and improved service delivery for Nigerian youth.
The President of the Nigeria Youth Workers’ Association (NYWA), Ben Duntoye, hailed the development as a significant stride towards equipping youth workers with globally recognised skills and academic credentials.
He emphasised that the initiative underscores Nigeria’s dedication to inclusive development and sustainable youth empowerment.
“Driven by the need to enhance the capacity of youth workers — an agenda championed by the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) — this programme seeks to standardise and elevate the quality of youth work practice in Nigeria,” Duntoye stated.
He also extended gratitude to Professor Theresa Abok-Akpan, Director of the Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement, for her instrumental support in facilitating the visit.
Established in 2019, the Nigeria Youth Workers’ Association (NYWA) serves as the coordinating body for youth development practitioners and professionals in Nigeria.
The association is dedicated to improving the status and standards of youth work by fostering collaboration, strengthening networks, and advocating for the professionalisation of the sector to enhance the lives of young Nigerians. (NAN)
