According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 63% of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million is under the age of 25.
This huge youthful majority is changing the dynamics of societal progress by moving beyond the traditional focus on academic achievement to embrace creativity, entrepreneurship, wellness, and holistic personal development, a testament that Nigeria is at a pivotal point in its demographic evolution.
Across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, students are no longer defined solely by their academic pursuits but by their creative abilities and entrepreneurial drive, which actively shape the arts, culture, and digital expression, driving innovation even from the confines of campus.
These purposeful Nigerian youths have emerged as powerful voices championing diverse expressions, interests, and ideologies across various sectors of society.
Where once such passions might have been dismissed as mere hobbies or fleeting interests, today they are increasingly recognised as foundational pillars for individual and national success. For instance, a young person pursuing photography, fashion design, coding, or mental health advocacy would previously have been encouraged to “focus on something serious.” Now, these pursuits are seen as legitimate and vital career paths, with the potential to drive both personal fulfilment and national development.
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This transformation is reflected in national policies and programmes designed to equip the next generation with practical, forward-looking skills. A notable example is the Federal Government’s 3 million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program, which aims to train three million Nigerians in technology-related skills by 2027. This ambitious initiative is not just about building digital capacity—it signals a strategic investment in youth as the drivers of Nigeria’s future economy.
By creating a strong pipeline of skilled professionals in areas like software development, data science, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, the government acknowledges the shifting aspirations of Nigerian youths and aligns with their pursuit of globally competitive opportunities.
The changing dynamics of Nigeria’s youth landscape have also redefined how institutions, both public and private, interact with young people.
More than ever, youth-focused initiatives are being designed to reflect a holistic understanding of what success means to the modern Nigerian youth. These initiatives prioritise not just skill-building and employment but also mental health awareness, entrepreneurial development, community engagement, and creative exploration.
For example, youth-led movements advocating for wellness and mental health have gained significant traction, particularly in urban centres. Platforms such as She Writes Woman and Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), among others, are raising awareness about mental health issues and providing support systems where none existed before.
In the entrepreneurial space, tech hubs like Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) in Lagos and startup accelerators like Ventures Platform in Abuja are fostering innovation by providing funding, mentorship, and incubation support for young entrepreneurs.
Ultimately, what the country is witnessing is a cultural and economic renaissance led by Nigerian youth. Their diverse interests are no longer sidelined but are being embraced as key drivers of national growth and transformation.
Leadway Campus Connect by the Leadway Group emerges within this context as a youth engagement asset speaking directly to the evolving priorities of young Nigerians. It is an experiential platform designed for university students to find recognition, motivation, community, and build long-lasting connections through a shared affinity for academic excellence, creative expressions, entrepreneurial ambition, and physical and mental well-being.
Past editions of the platform have spotlighted talents through creative showcases, equipped students with skills development workshops, and supported career readiness through mentorship and guidance sessions, affirming the belief that young Nigerians can chart their unique paths to success while achieving holistic wellbeing.
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The most recent edition of the Leadway Campus Connect initiative, themed “Fit & Fun,” held on July 19th, 2025, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), demonstrated Leadway’s future-forward and holistic approach to youth development. The event prioritised health and wellbeing, offering a refreshing blend of physical fitness, mental wellness, and entertainment.
With high-energy fitness sessions led by wellness partner BIGYM, engaging giveaways from New Age, SOFRESH, free medical check-ups, and mental health awareness initiatives led by Leadway Health HMO, the Fit & Fun experience encouraged students to embrace healthier lifestyles, cultivate resilience, and rediscover balance.
In a nation where youth constitute the majority, trust is earned through sustainable impact and the ability to spot and ignite potential. Campus Connect, with its focus on education, entrepreneurship, creativity, and wellness, reflects and responds to the evolving identity of Nigerian youths. It establishes itself as a continuous investment in the next generation by creating spaces where Nigerian students feel seen, supported, and empowered with the tools, networks, and inspiration to thrive.
Leadway Group is more than just a trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial services sector; it is a brand synonymous with community empowerment and national development. In recent months, Leadway has made significant strides in supporting Nigeria’s creative and cultural economy, as evidenced by its prominent partnerships with landmark events, including the Lagos Leather Fair and the globally acclaimed London Biennale Design 2025.
These initiatives underscore Leadway’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s arts and culture ecosystem. Yet, the Group’s impact transcends creative spaces, reaching into the vibrant corridors of Nigerian universities through its youth-centric platform, Leadway Campus Connect.