The reported decline in the number of Nigerian youths joining the military has been attributed to the availability of Information Technology job opportunities, which have diverted the younger generation’s interest from military service.
On Wednesday, the Lagos State Government expressed concerns that youths in the state were not keen on joining the military.
Speaking at a quarterly meeting in Ikeja with the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee, the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, stated, “In Lagos State, our children don’t like to join the military. They don’t see any reason why they should be part of the army. If your state does not participate, you are short-changing your state.”
Salu-Hundeyin’s statement comes three months after the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, revealed that the South West has the lowest rate of enlistment in both the military and the Police Force.
Commenting on the matter, a security expert, Kabir Adamu said IT jobs have diverted the interest of Nigerian youths, adding that the harsh training and living conditions of military personnel were also discouraging factors.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH on Thursday, Adamu noted that the military had not adopted an intergenerational system that would appeal to younger, tech-savvy individuals.
“There are jobs, especially in IT and digital technology, that are more attractive now. Additionally, the military still maintains a traditional, conservative disposition that does not embrace intergenerational dialogue to encourage entrance from young people who are tech-savvy and digitised.
