The Nigeria Youth Work Association (NYWA) has called for enhanced collaboration with the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) to advance youth development and strengthen the professionalization of youth work in Nigeria and across the Commonwealth.
This call was made during an advocacy visit by a delegation of NYWA, led by its President, Mr. Ben Duntoye, who also serves as Co-chair of the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Associations (CAYWA), to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi.
Also present at the meeting was the Director of the Centre for Gender Security and Youth Advancement, University of Abuja, Professor Magdalene Agbor Igbolo.
Speaking during the visit, Duntoye highlighted the mandate of NYWA as the umbrella professional body for youth work practitioners in Nigeria. He noted that the Association is committed to promoting the professionalization of youth work through capacity building, adherence to ethical standards, and advocacy for effective youth development policies and programmes.
He further explained that NYWA’s affiliation with CAYWA provides an opportunity to align youth work practice in Nigeria with internationally recognized standards. According to him, CAYWA serves as the global network and voice for youth work professionals across Commonwealth countries, promoting training, ethical practice, and the formal recognition of youth work as a distinct profession.
Mr. Duntoye commended the University of Abuja for introducing postgraduate programmes in Commonwealth Youth Development Studies, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in strengthening the capacity of professionals responsible for youth development.
In his response, Professor Fawehinmi emphasized the importance of professionalizing youth work, particularly in a country where young people constitute a significant proportion of the population. He observed that youth face numerous contemporary challenges, including substance abuse and other social pressures, which require the attention of trained professionals.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that youth work is a specialized discipline that should not be entrusted to untrained personnel. He noted that effective youth development requires practitioners who possess the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the developmental needs of young people and support them in realizing their full potential.
Professor Fawehinmi described the commencement of the postgraduate programme in youth development studies as a strategic step towards institutionalizing youth work as a recognized profession. He assured the delegation of the University’s commitment to supporting the programme and integrating youth work more firmly within the academic system.
The Vice-Chancellor also congratulated Mr. Duntoye on his election as Co-chair of CAYWA, describing the achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria. He further accepted an invitation to serve as Guest Speaker during the 2026 Youth Work Week scheduled to hold in November.
In her remarks, Professor Magdalene Agbor Igbolo described NYWA as a valuable partner of the Centre and commended the Association for its contributions to the successful organization of the National Workshop on the Professionalization of Youth Work held at the University of Abuja in June 2025.
As part of the visit, Professor Fawehinmi was decorated with the NYWA Fellowship Award and inducted into the NYWA Hall of Honour in recognition of his support for youth development and the advancement of youth work education.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to exploring strategic partnerships in the areas of training, research, advocacy, and youth development initiatives. Discussions also focused on opportunities for collaboration between the University of Abuja and CAYWA in advancing Commonwealth-wide youth work programmes.
