Kofoworola Belo-Osagie outlines the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria's youth as they prepare for the SSCE/UTME exams. With a focus on self-development, education, and investing in 'human capital', the document emphasizes the importance of resilience, skills acquisition, and positive influences for young Nigerians facing poverty and limited opportunities. The author also shares personal insights and initiatives aimed at connecting youth with resources for growth and development.

1. Preparing for
SSCE/UTME
THE WHY AND THE HOW
By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie. 1.12.19

2. PREPARING FOR SSCE/UTME:
The Why and The How
– About Me:
– I am KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE
– Not a teacher but a journalist
– I am passionate about making Nigeria work by Nigerians
– I am seeking ways to make young people more productive
– ….To be continued….
– Presented January 12, 2019 in Lagos.

3. PREPARING FOR SSCE/UTME:
The WHY
– How many young people are in Nigeria?
– How many poor people are in Nigeria today?
– What signs of poverty do you see around you?
– How old will you be by 2030? 2050?
– How many Nigerians will there be by then?
– How many Nigerians have been estimated would be poor by then?

4. - How many young people are in Nigeria? 60% of Nigerians are below 25.
- How many poor people are in Nigeria today? 80 million Nigerians live in
extreme poverty – on or less than $1.90/day.
• What signs of poverty do you see around you? E.g. Keke carrying passengers
with driver and now hanging by the driver’s side; standing on long-distance
journey; shops opened during holidays; micro-sales (satchets).
• How old will you be by 2030? 2050?
• How many Nigerians will there be by 2050? 429 million.
• How many Nigerians have been estimated would be poor by then? 152
million. Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo have been estimated would
be home to 40 per cent of the poorest in the world (Goalkeepers Report
2018).

5. So what is the way out?
– “To continue improving the human condition, our task is
to help create opportunities in Africa’s fastest-growing
poorest countries.” – Goalkeepers Report 2018.
– “This means investing in young people. Specifically, it
means investing in their HEALTH and EDUCATION, or
what economists call ‘human capital.’” – Goalkeepers
Report 2018.

6. “Recently there’s been a lot of discussion
about what happens if large numbers of young
people in the poorest countries are denied
opportunities to build better lives. People
worry about insecurity, instability, and mass
migration. We wish they would also recognise
young people’s enormous potential to drive
economic growth. They are the activists,
innovators, leaders, and workers of the
future.” - Goalkeepers 2018

7. What should ‘You’ do now?
Invest in self-development
– Learn skills, learn entrepreneurship, learn innovation; learn to code.
– Volunteer to gain skills in your area of interest.
– Attend programmes, trainings aimed at youth development.
– Choose your friends carefully. Associate with people with vision, sense of
direction, focus. Distance yourself from trouble makers and people looking for
short fixes or prone to crime.
– Be a positive influence, change maker.
– Pay close attention to your studies.

8. PREPARING FOR SSCE/UTME:
The How
– Know thy self: what time do you study best?
– Study daily.
– Disabuse your mind about bad teachers. Be determined to succeed regardless
of your teachers.
– Seek help to understand topics, use the internet.
– Attend classes regularly, pay attention to the syllabus, WAEC Examiners’ Report
for technical aspects of the examination and common mistakes candidates
make.
– Even if your situation is difficult, be determined to succeed against all odds. You
may not get another chance. Ask God for help.

9. PREPARING FOR SSCE/UTME:
The How (writing the exam)
– Rest well before each paper. Avoid sleepless nights.
– Eat light before your examination. Do not go hungry.
– Obey and read the instructions when you get your paper.
– Depend on yourself and God only. Do not engage in examination malpractice.
– Think quickly about questions you choose to answer and answer them well.
– Review your work before submission, especially if you finish before time. The
best way to finish before time is to read very well and revise before the
examination.
– Submit your paper once the time is up.

10. About me continued…
– Journalist at The Nation.
– Passionate about linking young people to opportunities.
– Started the NaijaYouthDigiSpace on Facebook to link young people to scholarship, jobs,
internships, training, and volunteering gigs.

11. THE END