Nigerian Youths, Education and Reminiscences of Historic Activism: Lessons for Contemporary Nigerian Youths

This paper examined the relationship between education and youth activism in Nigeria’s history. It posed the questions; what is the role of education in shaping youth activism? What is the historic role of Nigerian youths in the development of Nigeria and fomenting social change? What were the philosophical guides and underpinnings of past youth activism? What are the specific lessons to be drawn by contemporary Nigerian youths from the history of activism? Perusing Nigeria’s history, the paper underscored the fact that education is strategic and critical in challenging the status quo and changing society. It observed that the history of Nigeria is littered with youth activism which brought about desirable changes that not only remain indelible in the sands of time and representing a glorious past, but also pose as useful lessons to be drawn by not so celebrated and active contemporary Nigerian youths. It contended that past youth activism in Nigeria was driven by Fanon’s political philosophy of ‘commitment’ which assumes that ideas (education) shape, influence and spur man towards collective responsibility and patriotic action to challenge and change his existential conditions. Again, it argued that this patriotic duty and service is in sync with the existentialist philosophy which stresses the need for man to take charge of his destiny in an authentic manner. The paper concluded by urging contemporary Nigeria youths to reignite and revive the activism of the old to chart a new course to change the shameful and docile narrative of the 21st century as well as redeem themselves from the perfidy, ignominy and disappointment of the present era.