Expert seeks more youth empowerment, efficient resource use amidst USAID exit
By Ahmed I Abba
Dr Lawan Cheri, Dean, School of Management Sciences Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, has called for urgent investment in youth development as a strategic response to emerging socio-economic challenges in the North-East.
The political scientist made the call in a recent interview with our Correspondent in Damaturu.
His reaction was in response to the gradual withdrawal of International Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) from the region, urging more prudent use of public resources to ensure sustainable development.
He said the exit of development partners such as USAID, while not entirely negative, should be a wake-up call for Nigeria to become more self-reliant and strategic in handling its internal challenges, especially as they affect young people.
“It is not totally bad that they are withdrawing their support. We must begin to live within our budgets and prioritise areas like education, healthcare, and emergency response. It’s about fiscal discipline and responsible governance,” he said.
Dr Cheri said Nigeria, often described as the “giant of Africa,” must live up to that reputation by strengthening its capacity to meet basic needs independently, by increasing investment in critical sectors such as youth empowerment, health, education, and disaster management.
He warned that continued overreliance on international aid risks institutional dependency and undermines long-term sustainability.
“We have the resources — what we lack is prioritisation and efficient utilisation. Our budgets must reflect the real needs of our people,” he said.
The political scientist said the withdrawal of humanitarian agencies must be matched with deliberate, well-planned interventions to prevent social crises, especially among youths who had grown up in displacement and rely heavily on external assistance.
“Many children displaced by conflict in 2009 and the years that followed are now young adults.
“They have grown up on handouts. Without a transition plan or skills training, some may be forced into crime or social unrest,” he warned.
He urged the government to intensify efforts in rolling out skills acquisition programmes, citing tailoring, carpentry, agriculture, and ICT as viable pathways for youth engagement.
“Nigeria’s population is a strength. If we train our youth, we will empower not only individuals but also society. Idleness is dangerous,” he warned.
Dr Cheri also noted that insurgency and insecurity in the North-East cannot be ended by force alone.
He said conflict resolution must go beyond the “kinetic approach”, but by addressing the root causes like poverty, illiteracy, and marginalisation.
“You can kill 1,000 insurgents, and 2,000 more will rise if you do not tackle poverty, ignorance, and exclusion. Once you destroy this tripod, peace will follow,” he explained.
He called for transparent and prudent management of existing funds at the federal, state, and local levels, saying misuse of limited resources contributes significantly to continued underdevelopment.
“We should block leakages, eliminate waste, and ensure that every naira spent delivers value. That is how we reduce dependency on external donors,” he said.
Dr Cheri advocated exploring alternative financing models, including impact financing and partnerships with other development organisations, noting that external support should supplement, not substitute local initiatives.
“While we welcome donor support, our national strategy must include a planned exit from dependency. It will take time, but we must begin,” he added.
On personal responsibility, Dr Cheri urged individuals, particularly in the North, to embrace productivity and reject a culture of indolence.
He noted that high poverty and insecurity in the region demand a change in personal attitudes and social values.
“We cannot keep spending hours under trees gossiping or sleeping half the day. Our time must be invested in productive ventures. No society can grow on handouts or political patronage,” he said.
He called for mindset reorientation, especially among the youth, and urged politicians to stop encouraging dependency through campaign giveaways and unsustainable incentives.
“We must begin to work for what we earn. Youth development must be both a government and community responsibility,” Dr Cheri concluded.
