Comr. Preye V. Tambou Interview Granted to Mr. C. G. Adelakun, a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Lagos, on his PhD Study 

Hello, I am Comr. Preye V. Tambou, National President of the Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN). Below is a summary of my interview granted on 29th January 2026 to Mr. C. G. Adelakun, a doctoral researcher at the University of Lagos, on his PhD study titled “The Role of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Orientation and Government Intervention Policies on Youth Unemployment in Nigeria.”

1. What do you understand by Youth Unemployment (YUN)?

Youth unemployment is not just the absence of jobs but the absence of opportunity, direction, and economic inclusion for young people who are willing and able to work. It represents wasted talent, delayed dreams, and a growing risk to social stability when energetic, educated youths are left idle.

2. Personally, have you ever experienced unemployment before, especially as a youth?

Yes, I have experienced unemployment as a young person, and that experience is one of the reasons I am passionate about youth advocacy today.

3. If yes, can you briefly share your experience?

Like many Nigerian youths, I faced the frustration of having qualifications, skills, and ambition but no stable opportunity. I submitted applications, attended interviews, and even volunteered at times just to stay active. The emotional pressure was heavy, seeing peers struggle, family expectations rising, and society often blaming youths instead of the system. That period taught me resilience, self-development, and the importance of collective youth empowerment.

4. If no, what did you do differently?

(Use only if needed instead of 2 & 3)

5. What is your personal view about various Government Interventional Policies (GIP) or programmes?

Government intervention programmes are necessary and commendable in intention. They show recognition that youth unemployment is a serious national issue. However, good intentions must be matched with transparency, continuity, proper funding, and real impact at the grassroots level.

6. What is your perception of the effectiveness of GIP geared towards reducing youth unemployment?

Their effectiveness has been moderate but inconsistent. Some youths have benefited, but many more are either unaware, unable to access the programmes, or drop out due to poor structure and follow-up support. Too often, programmes start with publicity but lack long-term monitoring, mentorship, and sustainability.

7. Which of the following GIP have you benefited from?

While many youths around me have participated in programmes like N-Power and NYIF, my major benefit has come more from self-driven development, community initiatives, and youth-focused platforms that promote skills, empowerment, and advocacy.

8. How sustainable are the GIP?

Most GIPs are not yet fully sustainable. Sustainability requires:

* Long-term funding

* Private sector partnerships

* Continuous training updates

* Access to markets and finance after training

Without these, many programmes end after the first phase, and beneficiaries return to unemployment.

9. What are your suggestions to the government in reducing youth unemployment in Nigeria?

1. Shift from theory to practical skills – Invest more in vocational, digital, and technical training aligned with market demand.

2. Support youth entrepreneurs – Provide accessible, low-interest funding with mentorship, not just loans.

3. Decentralize opportunities – Take programmes to rural and underserved communities, not only cities.

4. Strengthen public-private partnerships – Let industries help design training that leads directly to jobs.

5. Create a national youth skills database – So employers can easily find trained youths.

6. Ensure policy continuity – Youth programmes should outlive political administrations.

Youth unemployment is not a youth problem alone but a national development emergency that requires urgency, structure, and sincerity.