Nigeria’s future at risk over neglected boy child — Aregbesola

** Nigeria's education and social development sector faces a critical turning point as policymakers increasingly highlight the systemic neglect of male youth development. Recent statements from government officials underscore a growing concern that inadequate attention to boy-child education and empowerment threatens not only social stability but also the quality of Nigeria's future workforce—a factor with direct implications for European investors eyeing the continent's largest economy. The discourse around boy-child empowerment in Nigeria reflects broader demographic and educational trends that warrant serious consideration from the foreign investment community. With Nigeria's population projected to exceed 400 million by 2050, the country faces mounting pressure to ensure its youth—particularly males aged 15-35—develop the skills and character necessary for productive economic participation. Currently, Nigeria's education system grapples with persistent challenges including low completion rates, skills misalignment with market demands, and gender-specific dropout patterns that leave many young men underprepared for formal employment. **The Demographic and Economic Context** Nigeria's demographic dividend remains one of Africa's most significant assets and challenges simultaneously. While the youth population represents potential economic dynamism, it also creates urgent demands for quality education, vocational training, and employment opportunities. European investors operating in Nigeria's technology, finance, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors increasingly report