Bill Gates Praises Nigeria’s Youth, Calls Them ‘Next Generation Of Innovators’

American business magnate Bill Gates has praised the youth of Nigeria, saying they "represent" potential skills and passion to solve the country's issues.

The 67-year-old philanthropist was speaking during a hybrid event at the Lagos Business School and Co-Creation Hub, titled "Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youth in Science and Innovation."

The event was held on Wednesday alongside several Nigerian partners, who have collaborated with his foundation named Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the past decade.

"When it comes to making the world a better place talented young people are the world's most important asset," Gates said, Africa reported. "Nigeria has one of the biggest youth populations in the world, and it's growing fast. That represents a lot of potential skills and passion to solve big problems."

However, Gates noted that the progress in the country is not equally distributed as many Nigerians don't have proper digital access and have poor health services, education, and employment.

He also pointed out that there was a 25% gender gap when it came to employment, considering the data provided in the last five years. He went on to share that more men held a mobile money account, compared to women in Nigeria.

"I'm a huge believer in the power of science and innovation to help people lead long, healthy lives," he explained. "But one of the big lessons I've learned is that the benefits don't automatically reach everyone. To do that, the people creating new breakthroughs, the people funding them, and the people getting them into the world all need to prioritize equity."

Gates also noted the government needed to step up in order to spend more on health, agricultural and digital financial systems, adding that the Nigerian government was spending only $10 per person, when it comes to healthcare, even as sub-Saharan Africa spent $31 per person.

"Leaders need to make a much bigger financial commitment, focusing most on improving primary health systems," he said, PremiumTimes reported. "Making sure clinics are well-staffed and supplied, making sure children get the vaccines they need--all of these is essential to improving health and opportunity and unlocking all of Nigeria's potential."

During the event, Gates also recalled visiting Nigeria for the first time in 2018 and speaking with the government leaders about the country's potential growth.

"This time, I wanted to speak also with you: Nigeria's next generation of innovators," he added. "Ever since I was a teenager, writing computer code on a terminal at my high school and later at Microsoft, I have loved the feeling of innovating to make something a little better for people—or a lot better."

"I'm sure you know this feeling too. There's going to be a lot of opportunity for you to continue to make a difference in the world because of the unprecedented potential of new technologies."

Gates acknowledged the fact that Nigerians are still facing many challenges he pointed out during his 2018 visit. However, he has a "lot of faith" in the new generation, noting it will "persevere and improve lives throughout Nigeria and beyond."