Young Nigerians shun public service despite its impact potential - here's why it matters
Young Nigerians consistently avoid public service careers despite institutions needing fresh talent and innovation, according to a 2021 study showing negative perceptions among youth. Final year undergraduates were most pessimistic, with graduates typically preferring entrepreneurship, tech, or private sector roles over government work.
This talent gap creates serious consequences as public institutions lose the energy and high expectations of young people who believe change is possible. Systems designed for Nigeria's youthful population end up shaped by fewer young voices, leading to longer service waits, poorer outcomes, and eroded citizen trust in government's ability to deliver.
While dysfunction exists, the author argues that quiet improvements are happening inside institutions through officials improving data systems and streamlining services - work that rarely makes headlines. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation focuses on strengthening public servants to make institutions more credible and attractive to ambitious youth.
If you're a young Nigerian considering your career path, would seeing tangible improvements in public service make you reconsider government work, or do you believe the private sector offers better impact potential?