FPDI Relocates 2026 Youth Policy Conference to Ibadan, Reports Strong Nationwide Participation

The Future Pathways Development Initiative (FPDI) has announced that the 2026 edition of its Policy Conference for Youth will be held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on August 12. The conference will convene young Nigerians, policymakers, academics, and governance experts to examine institutional reforms and expand youth participation in public policymaking.
The conference, themed “Rebuilding Trust: Institutional Reforms for Effective Governance,” will also host the grand finale of the 2026 Policy Challenge, a national competition designed to identify, showcase, and promote innovative policy solutions developed by young Nigerians.
According to FPDI, the conference is intended to move beyond conventional policy discussions by providing a platform where young people can present practical, evidence-based policy proposals aimed at strengthening public institutions, improving service delivery, and deepening citizen participation in governance.
The organisation said its decision to move the conference from Abuja, which hosted the maiden edition in 2025, to Ibadan reflects its commitment to decentralising national policy conversations and expanding access to civic engagement opportunities across the country. It added that selecting the University of Ibadan as the host venue recognises the institution’s longstanding reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of academic excellence and intellectual discourse.
FPDI also announced significant growth in participation for this year’s Policy Challenge. The organisation received 1,371 expressions of interest and 322 completed policy submissions from participants across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It further disclosed that its programmes now have an active presence in 67 tertiary institutions nationwide, underscoring the initiative’s expanding national footprint.
Director of FPDI, Arinola Addo Daniel, described the geographical spread of participants as one of the initiative’s most significant achievements.
He said the programme’s growth is reflected not only in the increase in applications but also in the rising participation of young people from communities where engagement in public policy has traditionally been limited.
According to him, the initiative is creating meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute innovative ideas to national development, governance reforms, and public policy.
The conference will culminate in the Policy Challenge Finals, where shortlisted teams will defend their policy proposals before a distinguished panel of judges drawn from government, academia, and the development sector.
FPDI said the winning teams will receive prizes worth approximately ₦4 million, alongside paid internship opportunities, media exposure, mentorship, and continued engagement with its network of policymakers, governance professionals, and development practitioners.
The organisers also announced a robust programme of activities, including SpotOn Talks, a fireside chat, a mock parliamentary session, and an expert panel discussion centred on governance, institutional reforms, and public sector innovation.
Among the confirmed speakers are Hon. Seyi Adisa, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and legal practitioner, and Mr. Khalil Nur Khalil, Chief Economic Adviser to the Katsina State Government. FPDI said additional speakers will be announced in the lead-up to the conference.
Founder of FPDI, Ayokunnu Ojeniyi, said the initiative was established to expand opportunities for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in policy development and governance processes.
He noted that many policy decisions affecting young people are often made without their direct involvement, stressing that the conference seeks to bridge that gap by creating a credible platform where young voices, ideas, and solutions can influence public policy and governance outcomes.
According to him, FPDI is committed to nurturing a new generation of policy thinkers, reform advocates, and governance practitioners equipped to contribute to institutional reforms and Nigeria’s long-term development.
FPDI added that attendance at the 2026 Policy Conference for Youth is open to both physical and virtual participants, with registration available free of charge.
The Future Pathways Development Initiative (FPDI) is an Abuja-based public policy and governance organisation dedicated to advancing governance reforms by equipping young people, civic actors, and public institutions with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities required to participate effectively in policymaking and democratic governance across Nigeria.