National youth confab: Eligibility, selection process… all to know
President Bola Tinubu’s government set to hold a national youth confab.
The Nigeria Youth Conference 2025 is a flagship initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development designed to engage young Nigerians in meaningful dialogue on national development, policy innovation, and inclusive governance.
With the target of hosting 36,000 youth delegates drawn from across the 774 local government areas in the country and the diaspora, this conference represents a major step toward giving youth a real seat at the decision-making table. But who is eligible to participate, and how can one be selected as a delegate?
To be eligible to participate in the Nigeria Youth Conference 2025, applicants must be Nigerian citizens between the ages of 18 and 35. However, the organisers have made provisions for inclusivity by allowing up to 10% of selected delegates to be older than 35.
This ensures that youth advocates, mentors, and other experienced voices who still engage actively in youth-focused development can also be part of the conversation. The conference strongly encourages participation from young women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), with a firm commitment to a 50:50 gender balance and inclusive representation. This approach ensures that diverse voices—including those from rural communities, marginalised groups, and underrepresented constituencies—are heard and reflected in policy dialogues.
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To be selected as a delegate, interested individuals must complete the official application form available on the conference portal (https://nationalyouthconfab.gov.ng). The form requires essential personal information, such as your name, location, gender, age, contact details, and a passport-sized photograph.
Applicants are also asked to indicate their local government area and state of origin to support equitable geographical representation. Importantly, the portal allows applicants to submit a brief write-up or idea aligned with one of the conference’s thematic focus areas. These include education, entrepreneurship, climate change, youth inclusion in governance, health, innovation and technology, peace and security, and more.
The selection process is rigorous and inclusive. Delegates will be shortlisted based on several key factors, including age, gender, geographical spread, quality of submission, community engagement, and demonstrated passion for youth development. Each of the 360 federal constituencies will be represented, ensuring a wide national spread. In addition, special consideration will be given to first-time applicants and those who submit innovative or actionable ideas that align with the themes of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Being selected as a delegate is a unique opportunity to join national conversations that influence public policy, connect with fellow change-makers, and contribute to the future of Nigeria. If you are a young Nigerian passionate about positive change and ready to speak up for your community, now is the time to apply and be counted.