What Every Young Person Should Know About the Kaduna State Youth Policy (2021–2025): Key Insights, Priorities and Lessons that Matter
By Sumayya Abdullahi Hussaini
1. A policy is a guiding document designed to address a clearly identified problem. Where there is no problem, there is no need for a policy. Policies provide direction, define priorities, and outline steps for coordinated action by government and stakeholders.
2. The Kaduna State Youth Policy (2021–2025) is one such document developed to respond to the realities, needs, and aspirations of young people age (15-35) in the state.
3. Kaduna State is a youthful state. The policy recognises that about 83% of the population is below 40 years, making youth a central pillar for development. This demographic realityp underscores the urgency of deliberate investments in youth development, protection, and participation.
4. If properly harnessed, it can translate into a Demographic Dividend accelerated economic growth resulting from strategic investments in health, education, skills, jobs, and youth empowerment. If ignored, it can deepen unemployment, insecurity, and social exclusion.
5. The policy also emphasises the need to bring partners together government, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and youth themselves to ensure that investments are youth-responsive, inclusive, and impactful.
6. One of the strengths of the Kaduna State Youth Policy is its clear alignment with the Kaduna State Development Plan. The policy is guided by a defined vision, mission, goals, and strategic objectives, ensuring coherence with broader state development priorities.
7. It also fully aligns with the Kaduna State Human Capital Development Plan, particularly in the strategic areas of health and nutrition, education, skills development, social development, and community engagement.
8. The policy identifies five major challenges confronting youth in Kaduna State such as; (i)Unemployment and poor economic status, (ii) Education-related challenges, (iii) Health challenges, (iv) Youth violence and insecurity and (v) Gender and social inequalities. These challenges reflect both structural and social barriers limiting youth potential and wellbeing.
9. The policy categorises youth into three broad groups to ensure targeted interventions: (a)Low-risk youth: young people transitioning into adulthood, (b) Especially vulnerable youth: socially and economically disadvantaged youth and (c)Most-at-risk youth: youth involved in armed conflict, violent extremism, substance abuse, sex work, or other risky behaviours that compromise health and wellbeing. This categorisation allows for differentiated responses based on varying levels of risk and vulnerability.
10. The policy is anchored on five cross-sectoral strategic thrusts, which serve as developmental pillars for youth transition into productive adulthood: Productive workforce and sustainable economic engagement of youth, Health and social welfare, Participation, inclusiveness, and equitable opportunities for all youth, Promotive and protective environment for youth development and Partnership-building and effective collaboration.
11. Based on these thrusts, the policy outlines 10 thematic areas and 24 linked objectives, supported by an implementation framework and measurable benchmarks.
12. The policy implementation framework clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders at all levels; government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector, and youth themselves.
13. Importantly, the policy includes a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to support continuous learning, track progress, and assess implementation outcomes.
14. Despite its strengths, several gaps have been identified in the current draft of the policy. These include limited attention to: Youth mental health, Climate change and climate financing,technology and digital inclusion and Social protection for youth. Addressing these gaps is critical, especially in light of emerging global and local realities.
15. As of 2025, the Kaduna State Youth Policy is due for review. Government priorities have evolved, and the policy must now align more strongly with current state development priorities, the Demographic Dividend Roadmap, the current administration SUSTAIN Agenda/Manifesto, and other relevant sectoral policies.
16. It is encouraging that the Ministry of Youth Development, with the support of Lafiya (FCDO), is currently leading a review of the policy with active stakeholder engagement.
17. Young people expect that the revised policy will be more robust, responsive to current realities, better aligned with the Demograhic Dividend Agenda, state priorities, and stronger on implementation, especially with youth at the centre of delivery and accountability.
Lead, Society for Equitable Development Foundation.
Member, Kaduna Youth Advocacy Coalition on Demograhic Dividend.
