Plans Announced for Revitalizing 100 University Campuses Nationwide
The Future Is Now (FiN) movement has appointed Hon. Henry Shields as its Executive Director following a national stakeholder meeting that gathered state coordinators from across Nigeria. This key appointment, which emerged from a conference held in Abuja on Monday, garnered unanimous support from stakeholders and symbolizes a pivotal moment in the organization’s evolution.
A Movement for Youth Empowerment and Governance
Launched on October 1, 2025, during Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary observances, this non-partisan, youth-led initiative aims to increase youth involvement in governance, leadership, and nation-building. FiN was founded to mobilize and mentor Nigerian youths, enabling them to actively engage in public leadership while bridging the gap between young people and decision-making bodies.
Significant Growth and Milestones Achieved
Since its inception, FiN has experienced remarkable progress, including the establishment of a governance framework and state coordinators in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The organization has rolled out a digital platform and recruited over one million Nigerian youths. Key accomplishments also feature the creation of a national volunteer network, a leadership and civic engagement framework, and the launch of the FiN Campus Revitalization Initiative.
Engagement Initiatives Targeting Youth Leadership
Recently, a campus engagement program was initiated at the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State, attracting over 300 students to participate in discussions centered on leadership and governance. As part of its commitment to fostering informed future leaders, FiN announced plans to revitalize at least 100 university campuses nationwide.
Strategic Partnerships to Enhance Development Opportunities
FiN has begun forming strategic alliances with international development partners and institutions focused on youth engagement, governance, peacebuilding, and leadership development. Representatives of the movement recently engaged in discussions with United Nations officials involved in youth, peace, and security initiatives, exploring collaboration opportunities in civic education, community mobilization, and youth-centered policy advocacy.
Stakeholder Meeting Outcomes and Future Directions
At the recent stakeholder meeting, participants evaluated the movement’s progress since its launch and identified priorities for the next implementation phase. Areas of focus include state-level mobilization, campus revitalization, digital engagement, and leadership development programs. The unanimous ratification of Shields as Executive Director was a significant outcome of the conference, instilling confidence among stakeholders in his leadership capabilities and commitment to advancing youth development initiatives.
Commitment to Empowering Future Leaders
Speaking on the meeting’s outcomes, Speaker Abdusamad Dasuki, MP, highlighted the collective belief in Shields’ ability to guide the movement into a new phase of growth. He emphasized the commitment to cultivating a platform that empowers young Nigerians, enhances democratic participation, and paves the way for responsible leadership and national transformation. Laolu Akande, the convener of FiN, commended Shields’ appointment as a crucial step in expanding the movement’s reach and its mission to engage Nigerian youths in shaping the future of their country.
