FPDI moves youth policy conference 2026 to Ibadan as entries hits 1,371

By Anan Geolengs

The Future Pathways Development Initiative (FPDI) has announced that the 2026 edition of the Policy Conference for Youth will hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, on August 12, bringing together young Nigerians, policymakers and governance experts to deliberate on institutional reforms and youth participation in public policymaking.

The conference, themed “Rebuilding Trust: Institutional Reforms for Effective Governance,” will also feature the grand finale of the Policy Challenge, a national competition designed to identify and promote innovative policy solutions developed by young Nigerians.

FPDI said the conference seeks to move beyond policy discussions by creating a platform where young people can present practical proposals aimed at strengthening governance, improving public service delivery and enhancing citizen participation.

According to the organisation, the decision to move the event from Abuja, which hosted the maiden edition in 2025, to Ibadan underscores its commitment to decentralising national policy conversations. It noted that the choice of the University of Ibadan as the venue reflects the institution’s place in Nigeria’s academic and intellectual history.

The organisation disclosed that participation in this year’s Policy Challenge increased significantly, with 1,371 expressions of interest and 322 policy submissions received from 33 states across the country. FPDI also said it now has an active presence in 67 tertiary institutions nationwide.

Director of FPDI, Arinola Addo Daniel, described the geographical spread of participants as one of the most significant outcomes of the initiative.
He said the programme’s growth was reflected not only in the number of entries but also in the increasing participation of young people from communities where policy engagement has traditionally been limited.

According to him, the competition is creating opportunities for more young Nigerians to contribute ideas on national development and governance.
The conference will culminate in the Policy Challenge Finals, where shortlisted teams will defend their proposals before a panel of judges drawn from government, academia and the development sector.

FPDI said the winning teams will receive prizes worth about ₦4 million, alongside paid internship opportunities, media exposure and continued engagement with its network of policy practitioners, government professionals and governance experts.

The organisers also announced a lineup of activities, including SpotOn talks, a fireside chat, a mock parliamentary session and an expert panel discussion focused on governance and institutional reforms.

Among confirmed speakers are Hon. Seyi Adisa, former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and lawyer, and Mr. Khalil Nur Khalil, Chief Economic Adviser to the Katsina State Government. FPDI said additional speakers would be announced ahead of the conference.
Founder of FPDI, Ayokunnu Ojeniyi, said the initiative was created to expand opportunities for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in policy development.

He said many policy decisions affecting young people are often made without their direct involvement, adding that the conference aims to provide a platform where their ideas can be heard and considered.

According to him, the initiative is focused on nurturing a new generation of policy thinkers and practitioners capable of contributing to governance reforms and national development.

FPDI said attendance at the Policy Conference for Youth 2026 is open to both physical and virtual participants, with registration offered free of charge.

The Future Pathways Development Initiative is an Abuja-based public policy and governance organisation that promotes governance reform by equipping young people, civic actors and institutions with skills and opportunities to engage in policymaking across Nigeria.