COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF A THREE DAYS NATIONAL YOUTH REFORM CONFERENCE HELD AT THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WOMEN DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA. BETWEEN 25TH- 27TH JULY, 2015

Preamble
The National Youth Reform Conference is a platform organised by coalition of various progressive youth organizations in Nigeria, (National Youth Reform Group) with participants drawn from organisation in the 36 states of the Federation and FCT. About 500 Youths participated and engaged in thorough deliberations and debates on the numerous challenges confronting the Nigerian Youth, as well as proffer solutions to them in a bid to reposition Nigerian Youth towards a progressive and prosperous Nation.
The Group felt the need for consolidation, unity and stability among Youth organisations and also to redirect our focus towards creativity and innovation.
Observations:
 Youth are not assigned as Ministers, Commissioners, DGs, SAs to the Youth-related portfolios
 Low level of Youth participation in governance
 High rate of Youth unemployment across the Nation.
 Lack of effective laws and policies to promote the growth of the Nigerian Youth.
 Low standard of education system.
 Absence of core ethical values to promote cultural and National unity amongst the Youth.
 Absence and Neglect of the Youth development centres across the six (6) geographical zones of Nigeria.
Recommendations:
After a three (3) days deliberation and exchange of ideas, the following recommendations were made to the Government:
1. The appointment of Youth between 25 to 35 years as Youth Minister, Commissioners, DGs, SAs to Youth related portfolios should be made at all the level Government.
2. Enhance Youth participation in governance and leadership trainings for political offices.
3. Policies on youth employment and entrepreneurship should be reviewed and implemented.
4. The National Youth Policy should be a major priority of the Government at all levels and more awareness should be created for Youth organizations Nationwide.
5. Increase budgetary allocation on education to 26% in line with United Nations affirmative action plan for Education sector at all level of Government (Federal, State and Local Government Areas) in Nigeria.