The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has called for stronger policies and deliberate interventions to protect the Nigerian boy-child from growing social and digital threats capable of undermining the nation’s future.
Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, made the call during a specialised strategy session organised to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Boy-Child with the theme, “Flourish and Thrive.”
Represented 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, Omotayo said the development of the boy-child must be treated as a major national priority.
According to him, Nigeria’s future human capital depends largely on raising boys who are emotionally stable, socially responsible and productively engaged in nation-building.
He stressed that while significant progress had been made in promoting opportunities for girls, equal attention must also be given to boys to ensure balanced national development.
Professor Omotayo expressed concern that many boys are raised under social expectations that discourage emotional expression and help-seeking behaviour, exposing them to isolation, depression, substance abuse, academic failure and other harmful tendencies.
He warned that the challenge has become more dangerous in the digital era, where many young boys are increasingly exposed to cyberbullying, online harassment, manipulated content and exploitation by cybercriminals and extremist groups.
According to him, neglecting the boy-child now poses wider implications for national security, public safety and social stability.
The NIPSS boss aligned the Institute’s position with the advocacy of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, insisting that protecting the girl-child and mentoring the boy-child are complementary responsibilities necessary for sustainable development.
To bridge existing gaps, he disclosed that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Gender Centre of Excellence has introduced a male engagement protocol aimed at promoting healthy masculinity, emotional intelligence, civic responsibility, digital safety and positive social values among boys and young men.
Omotayo also advocated structured mentorship programmes, life-skills education, moral guidance and digital literacy initiatives to help boys realise their full potential.
He called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers and policymakers to work together in creating safer and more supportive environments for boys across the country.
The session ended with a resolution that recommendations from the engagement be forwarded to relevant authorities for policy consideration as part of efforts to strengthen youth development and national growth.
