Stakeholders in Nigeria have renewed calls for deliberate and structured mentorship programmes aimed at improving the emotional, moral, and social development of the boy child across the country.
The appeal was made during conversations marking the International Day of the Boy Child, where experts and development advocates stressed the need for balanced attention in child development policies.
They noted that while significant focus has been placed on girl-child empowerment, boys are increasingly facing emotional neglect, peer pressure, and lack of guidance in critical stages of development.
According to recent discussions highlighted by development stakeholders, many boys struggle with decision-making, identity formation, and emotional regulation due to limited access to consistent mentorship structures.
They warned that this gap is contributing to wider social challenges, including behavioural issues, vulnerability to peer influence, and increased exposure to negative societal pressures.
Experts also emphasized that mentorship is not limited to academic guidance but extends to emotional intelligence, discipline, responsibility, and life skills needed for adulthood.
They stressed that boys require safe spaces where they can express vulnerability, discuss challenges, and receive support from positive role models in their communities.
Recent engagements and studies conducted by youth-focused organisations show that peer pressure remains one of the strongest influences shaping boys’ decisions, often outweighing formal education in impact.
In some cases, stakeholders noted that boys who appear confident externally still struggle internally with emotional stress, fear of rejection, and pressure to conform to social expectations.
This hidden emotional burden, they explained, often leads to impulsive decision-making and difficulty resisting negative influences from peers and online environments.
Development advocates further raised concerns about the rising exposure of boys to cyber-related risks and social vices due to inadequate guidance and weak mentorship systems.
They argued that strengthening mentorship structures in schools and communities could significantly reduce these risks while improving long-term behavioural outcomes.
Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of family involvement, noting that parents and guardians remain the first and most influential mentors in a child’s life.
However, they observed that modern economic pressures and social changes have reduced the amount of time many parents can dedicate to consistent guidance and supervision.
As a result, they called for a collective approach involving schools, religious institutions, government agencies, and civil society organisations to bridge the mentorship gap.
They further emphasized that mentorship should be integrated into education systems as a structured component rather than treated as an optional or informal intervention.
According to them, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and identity development should be prioritised alongside academic achievement in preparing boys for adulthood.
The stakeholders concluded that investing in the boy child is essential for building stable families, safer communities, and more responsible future leadership across Nigeria.
They maintained that a well-guided boy child today becomes a responsible father, leader, and citizen tomorrow, making mentorship a critical national priority.