Unemployment could worsen Africa’s political fragility – AfDB President

The President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina has warned that unemployment could worsen Africa’s social and political fragility if the leaders of different countries in the continent fail to improve access to quality education by adequately funding the sector to reduce youth unemployment on the continent.

 Adesina gave the warning in a lecture delivered at a Colloquium on “The Role Education in 21st Century Nigeria Development: BBHS Adventure” as part of activities marking the 100 years anniversary of Baptist Boys High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The event, which was attended by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and other alumni of the school was organised by the Old Boys Association of the school.

Adesina while delivering his lecture virtually said, for the United Nations (UN) goal for inclusive and quality education for all to be achieved, the global spending on education must rise from $1.2 trillion to $3 trillion per year by 2030.

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He said, Nigeria as a nation with rapidly growing population must do more to ensure that the younger generation receive access to the education they deserve.

He said the AfDB would soon establish a Youth Enterprise Investment Bank in Africa to address the high unemployment rate in the continent.

In his address, the National President of the Old Boys Association of BBHS, Prof. Kayode Oyesiku said there was a need for Nigeria to de-emphasis certification and focus more on technical and vocational education.