29/05/2026
NIPSS SEEKS STRONGER POLICIES TO SAFEGUARD THE BOY-CHILD IN THE DIGITAL AGE
The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has called for stronger policies and deliberate interventions to safeguard the boy-child from emerging social and digital threats, stressing that the future of Nigeria’s human capital depends on raising young men who are emotionally resilient, socially responsible, and productively engaged.
He made the call in a message delivered on his behalf by the Acting Head and Deputy Director of Programme and Partnership Development at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Gender Centre of Excellence (SOTGCE), Dr. Zubairu Jide Attah, during a specialised strategy session organised to mark the 2026 International Day of the Boy-Child on May 16 under the global theme, “Flourish and Thrive.”
Professor Omotayo described the development of the boy-child as a strategic national concern requiring greater attention from policymakers, educators, parents, and community leaders. While acknowledging progress in advancing opportunities for girls, he stressed that boys must also receive the guidance and support needed to become responsible citizens and partners in nation-building.
He expressed concern that many boys grow up under social expectations that discourage emotional expression and help-seeking behaviour, leaving them vulnerable to isolation, psychological distress, academic disengagement, substance abuse, and other harmful outcomes.
The Director-General warned that these challenges have become more pronounced in the digital age, where young boys face increasing exposure to cyberbullying, online harassment, manipulated digital content, and exploitation by cybercriminals and extremist networks. He noted that the neglect of the boy-child now carries implications not only for social development but also for national security and public safety.
Professor Omotayo aligned the Institute’s position with the advocacy of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, emphasising that protecting the girl-child and mentoring the boy-child are complementary responsibilities essential to balanced and sustainable development.
To address existing gaps, he disclosed that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Gender Centre of Excellence is implementing a male engagement protocol aimed at promoting healthy masculinity, emotional intelligence, digital safety, civic responsibility, and positive social values among boys and young men.
He also advocated structured mentorship, life-skills education, moral guidance, and digital literacy programmes, urging parents, educators, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and policymakers to work together in creating environments where boys can flourish and realise their full potential.
The session ended with a directive for the recommendations arising from the engagement to be forwarded to relevant authorities for policy consideration, reaffirming NIPSS’ commitment to strengthening human capital development and building a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.