5 Winning Points: Nigerian Youths Are Not Too Young to Run for President
Good day, students! Looking for the winning points for your next debate? You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we are tackling a very hot topic in our society. The motion is: “Nigerian Youths Are Not Too Young to Run for President.”
For a long time, there has been a belief that “wisdom comes with grey hair” and that only the older generation can handle the pressure of Aso Rock. But is that really true in the 21st century? This debate isn’t just about age; it’s about competence, energy, and the future of our country.
In this post, I’m giving you a complete “copy-and-paste” script to support the motion that Nigerian youths are not too young to run for president. I have broken it down into punchy, persuasive arguments that will earn you a standing ovation from the judges.
This article provides debate points supporting the motion for educational purposes. It does not mean older leaders are not valuable, but rather highlights the strengths of youth leadership.
Winning Debate Points on Why Nigerian Youths Are Not Too Young to Run for President
1. The Majority Should Be Led by Their Own
My first point is about simple numbers. Let’s look at the facts. Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world. In fact, according to the National Population Commission, over 60% of our population is under the age of 30.
Think about it. Does it make sense for a country full of digital natives, tech entrepreneurs, and young creatives to be governed strictly by people who were born before the internet existed? No, it doesn’t.
A young president understands the struggles of the modern Nigerian youth—unemployment, the need for tech hubs, and educational reform—because they live it. You cannot scratch where it does not itch. A youth president represents the reality of the majority, not the past of the minority.
2. Physical and Mental Energy to Do the Job
Let’s be honest with ourselves. The job of a President is not a retirement plan. It is one of the most stressful, demanding jobs on the planet. It requires sleepless nights, constant travel, and the mental sharpness to make split-second decisions.
We have seen what happens when we elect leaders who spend more time on medical tourism abroad than fixing our hospitals at home. We need a leader with the physical stamina to work 18 hours a day. We need someone who can visit the troops in Sambisa Forest today and fly to a tech summit in Lagos tomorrow.
Youths have this energy. We have the drive. Nigerian youths are not too young to run for president because the presidency requires a level of vitality that is naturally found in the youth.
3. Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions
We are living in a digital age. The challenges we face today cybersecurity threats, cryptocurrency regulation, artificial intelligence, and climate change—are not the challenges of the 1970s.
How can you regulate the digital economy if you still struggle to operate a smartphone? It’s not possible. Young people are the drivers of innovation. Look at how Nigerian youths are leading the world in Fintech (like Paystack and Flutterwave) and entertainment (Afrobeats).
If we can trust a young person to run a billion-dollar company, why can’t we trust them to run the country? We need a leader who is “tech-savvy” by nature, not one who needs a consultant to explain what “blockchain” means.
4. If It Works Globally, It Will Work Here
Opponents will tell you that youths lack “experience.” But is that true? Let’s look at the rest of the world.
France elected Emmanuel Macron as President at 39. Finland elected Sanna Marin as Prime Minister at 34. Even Ireland recently elected Simon Harris as Prime Minister at 37. These are thriving nations.
If these countries, with their complex economies, can trust young minds to lead them to prosperity, why are we afraid? Are Nigerian youths less intelligent than French or Finnish youths? Absolutely not. In fact, many would argue we are more resilient. The global trend is moving toward youth leadership, and Nigeria should not be left behind.
5. The “Not Too Young To Run” Act Validates Us
Finally, the law is already on our side. In 2018, the Not Too Young To Run Act was signed into law, reducing the age limit for running for President from 40 to 35. This was a victory championed by groups like Yiaga Africa, proving that the constitution recognizes our readiness.
The passing of this bill was an admission by the government that age is not the only measure of wisdom. If the constitution says we are ready, and the law says we are capable, then anyone arguing otherwise is living in the past. We have the legal backing, the intellectual capacity, and the constitutional right to take the mantle of leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my opponent says youths are too inexperienced? You can counter this by defining what “experience” means. Is experience just sitting in an office for 30 years doing the same thing? Or is experience about innovation and results? Remind the judges that many “experienced” older leaders have failed to solve our electricity or road problems for decades. Maybe “experience” is overrated, and “innovation” is what we need.
How do I start my debate speech? The opening is the most important part. You need to grab their attention immediately. I have written a full guide on how to start a debate greeting in secondary school that you can use to perfect your intro.
Can I use these points for a different topic? Yes! These points work well for topics like “The Youths are the Leaders of Today, Not Tomorrow” or debates about political inclusion. Just tweak the wording slightly to fit the specific motion.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, the argument that Nigerian youths are not too young to run for president is not just emotional; it is logical. We have the numbers, the energy, the technological know-how, and the global examples to prove it.
It is time to move past the idea that leadership is only for the elders. As you prepare for your debate, remember to speak with confidence. You are not just reading a script; you are speaking for a generation.
Disclaimer: This article supports one side of the motion for educational and debating purposes. Both young and older leaders have vital roles to play in nation-building.
What do you think? Do you agree that it’s time for a youth president? Drop your opinions in the comments section below! And if you found this helpful, check out our list of other debate topics for Nigerian schools to keep practicing. Good luck!
