The Nigeria Youth Workers Association (NYWA) paid a courtesy visit to the Director, Centre for Gender Security and Youth Advancement, University of Abuja, Professor Magdalene Agbor Igbolo.
The visit, led by the President of NYWA, Ben Duntoye, who also doubles as Co-Chairperson of the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association (CAYWA), was aimed at familiarising with the new Director and briefing her on the objectives, programmes, and progress of NYWA.
Duntoye stated that NYWA is the umbrella body for youth work practitioners in Nigeria with membership drawn from across the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT. The Association is committed to professionalising youth work, building the capacity of youth workers, promoting ethical standards, and influencing youth development policies and programmes in Nigeria.
He further disclosed that NYWA is an affiliate member of the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association (CAYWA), which positions it to align Nigerian youth work practice with global standards.
Duntoye noted that NYWA has been collaborating with the Centre and the University on professionalising youth work in Nigeria. He recalled that NYWA was a key partner in the National Workshop on the Professionalisation of Youth Work held in June 2025, organised in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the University of Abuja.
He also commended the Centre for the commencement of Postgraduate Programmes in Commonwealth Youth Development Studies.
In her response, Professor Igbolo appreciated NYWA for the visit and commended the Association for its commitment to youth development. She highlighted key activities of the Centre and affirmed that the postgraduate programme has come to stay. She further announced that admission into the next session of the programme, after the pioneer set, will commence in September 2026.
As part of the visit, the NYWA President decorated Professor Igbolo and presented her with a membership certificate as a Fellow of the Association, which she graciously accepted.
The visit, which had in attendance National Executives and members of NYWA working in government and non-governmental organisations, was described as strategic and a value-adding engagement for both NYWA and the Centre.
