The centrality of young people to Africa’s development agenda took centre stage on Thursday, June 19, 2025, as the University of Lagos hosted the prestigious Kapuscinski Development Lecture Series at the Julius Berger Lecture Hall.
It was the first time the global lecture series would be held in any Nigerian university, and it gathered an impressive array of accomplished professionals and social entrepreneurs eager to share insights with students.
Among the thought leaders was investor and social entrepreneur, Lara Rabiu, who delivered the guest lecture titled: “Youth Engagement in African Economic Development: Harnessing the Potential of the Next Generation.” She challenged Nigerian students to recognise and embrace their crucial role in national transformation.
“If you have higher education, you have the intellectual capacity to design solutions for society,” she declared. “Yes, our education system may not be perfect, but technology gives you the edge. With Artificial Intelligence, for example, everyone is at ground zero. The question is: what are you going to do with it?”
Rabiu, who is the founder of The Afara Initiative, acknowledged the systemic barriers young Nigerians face but urged them to shift their focus from mere survival to innovation.
“Instead of defining yourself by your course of study, I challenge you to define a mission,” she said. “Out of all Nigeria’s problems, which one are you going to solve in the next five to ten years? Take your mind off hustle. Think innovation. What do you want to change? What do you want to build?”
She charged students to apply themselves purposefully, leveraging both formal education and emerging technologies, while exploring platforms like The Afara Initiative to build capacity and accelerate change.
A panel session followed, offering further engagement with youth development practitioners. Panelists included Kehinde Adegboyega (Executive Director, Human Rights Journalist Network), Anuoluwapo Akinhanmi (Principal Consultant, PeakPine Solutions), Victor Aro (General Manager, GoRealty and Homes), and Rilwan Abuh (Policy Programmes Associate, The Fate Institute). They explored the theme, “Potential, Performance and Results: An Enabling Environment.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, Staff Adviser of the International Affairs Student Association, Prof. Ferdinand Ottoh, commended the student-led initiative, which was organised in collaboration with the Office of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects (IRPP), UNILAG.
“This is a timely opportunity to sensitise ourselves to the urgency of youth engagement,” he remarked. “Young people have the potential and collective power to make change. With the right guidance, they can channel that power for the good of society.”
Delivering his address virtually, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Guatier Mignot, described youths as “assets, not liabilities”, stressing the need to see them not as objects of policy but as key actors in sustainable development efforts.
Also speaking, , President of the International Affairs Student Association and a student of Political Science, Mr. Baki Adams, expressed appreciation to the European Commission for sponsoring the event, and IRPP Office for facilitating it.
“I encourage all participants to maximise the network opportunities this event has provided. Go beyond attendance and position yourself to become the best version of who you’re meant to be,” he said.
Named in honour of Polish journalist and writer Ryszard Kapuściński, the Kapuscinski Development Lecture Series seeks to spotlight global development issues, with particular attention to the realities and voices of developing nations.
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photography: Islamiat Akanni
