LAGOS — Stakeholders in Lagos reviewed youth mentorship efforts as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted educational, social and community programmes across the state. The restrictions on movement and public gatherings made conventional mentorship activities more difficult, prompting calls for alternative approaches that could keep young people connected with mentors and development opportunities.
Youth mentorship programmes had provided opportunities for young people to receive guidance, develop skills and learn from professionals and community leaders. Stakeholders said maintaining these relationships remained important during a period when many young people were experiencing disruptions to their education, employment plans and social activities.
The closure of schools and restrictions on gatherings affected programmes that relied on physical meetings. Mentors and participants were encouraged to explore telephone calls, messaging platforms and online meetings where possible. Stakeholders said these methods could help maintain communication while reducing the need for physical contact.
However, access to digital technology remained a challenge. Some young people lacked reliable internet connections, smartphones or computers, while others faced difficulties paying for data. Stakeholders said mentorship programmes needed to consider these limitations and use accessible communication methods rather than relying entirely on online platforms.
The economic impact of the pandemic was also affecting young people. Businesses were reducing activities, employment opportunities were becoming more limited and many families were experiencing financial pressure. Stakeholders said mentorship could help young people understand changing economic conditions and identify practical skills that could improve their future opportunities.
Entrepreneurship and vocational skills were identified as areas that could receive greater attention. Stakeholders said young people could benefit from guidance in areas such as digital services, small-business management, communication and other skills that could be developed with limited physical interaction.
The disruption also increased interest in online learning. Young people who had access to digital platforms were using them to develop new skills and remain engaged with educational content. Mentors were encouraged to share useful learning resources and help participants identify credible opportunities.
Community leaders said mentorship should also address the social pressures created by the pandemic. Young people were spending more time at home and facing uncertainty about education, employment and future plans. Regular communication with trusted mentors could provide guidance and encouragement during the difficult period.
Stakeholders also urged mentors to remain realistic about the challenges facing participants. They said mentorship programmes should focus on practical advice and achievable goals rather than placing additional pressure on young people already dealing with disruption.
The pandemic highlighted the potential for mentorship programmes to adopt more flexible structures. A combination of physical meetings when safe, telephone communication and digital platforms could allow programmes to continue reaching participants during different circumstances.
Organisers were encouraged to review their programmes and identify areas where activities could be improved. Stakeholders said clear objectives, regular communication and better tracking of participants' progress would help ensure that mentorship efforts produced meaningful results.
As attention shifted towards implementation, stakeholders in Lagos called for practical measures to keep young people connected with mentors and skills-development opportunities. They said collaboration among community organisations, professionals, educational institutions and technology providers could strengthen the programmes.
The COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted many youth development activities, but stakeholders maintained that mentorship remained important. They urged programme organisers to adapt their methods and use available communication channels to ensure that young people continued to receive guidance and opportunities for personal and professional development.