Understanding the Generational Shifts
Generation Z, often referred to as “zoomers,” is a demographic cohort born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, typically from 1997 to 2012. They are recognized as the first true digital natives, having grown up with the internet and smartphones from a very young age. This generation is known for its diversity, pragmatic approach to finances, concern for social and environmental issues, and a strong focus on work-life balance.
They were preceded by the Millennials, also known as Generation Y, who were born between 1981 and 1996. These individuals came of age during the new millennium and are considered “digital immigrants” who are comfortable with technology and value immediacy and efficiency.
Following Generation Z is Generation Alpha or Gen-A, which includes people born from roughly 2010 to 2024. They are the world’s first generation fully born into the 21st century and the first to grow up with ubiquitous technology and global digital connectivity. As digital natives, Gen Alphas experience and learn through technology and are defined by their diversity, global outlook, and early exposure to issues like climate change.
The Rise of Gen-Z Protests
In recent years, Gen-Z has been trending globally for its recent protests. An article titled “What to Know About the ‘Gen Z’ Protests Roiling Countries Across the Globe” published in Time Magazine on October 2, 2025, highlighted how young people are taking to the streets en masse in cities around the world to fight against perceived government corruption. These protests have sparked violent clashes with authorities and, at times, turned deadly.
The so-called “Gen Z” protests have occurred in various countries across Africa, Asia, and South America. The motivations behind these demonstrations range from severe shortages of water and power in Madagascar to limited access to education and healthcare in Morocco, and corruption scandals in Nepal and Peru. Within the past month, the demonstrations have toppled one country’s government and contributed to the dissolution of another, resulting in hundreds of arrests and injuries and dozens of deaths.
Similar demonstrations have taken place in Kenya, Indonesia, and the Philippines in recent months, highlighting a new generation of young adults’ growing influence in public life around the world. Cable News Network (CNN) reported that youth-led uprisings are driving thousands from their screens to the streets, demanding accountability, change, and, in some cases, toppling governments.
Historical Parallels and Global Impact
The 2025 Gen-Z protests across the world are reminiscent of the Arab Spring of 2011, where the self-immolation of a vegetable seller in Tunisia, Mohamed Bouazizi, on January 4, 2011, sparked off protests against the cost of living and the country’s authoritarian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. His 23-year rule ended 10 days later when he fled to Saudi Arabia, becoming the first leader of an Arab nation to be pushed out by popular protests.
Similar protests in Egypt led to the end of the 30-year reign of President Hosni Mubarak. In Libya, an uprising led to the capture and murder of President Muammer Gaddafi after 32 years in power. In Yemen, violent protests led to a change of power as Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had ruled Yemen for 33 years, handed power to his deputy, Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi. Peaceful protests started by teenagers in Syria led to violent repression by President Bashar al-Assad, eventually leading to years of civil war and the ouster of al-Assad on December 8, 2024.
Protests in Nigeria
Nigeria has had its fair share of protests, with the most violent one in the recent past being the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, which led to the wanton destruction of properties and deaths. The uprising, which initially took off on social media, especially on Twitter, led to massive street protests in many states in Nigeria. They were led by Nigerian youths who demanded a definitive end to the atrocities of the Nigeria Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad; the disbandment of SARS, release of all arrested protesters, compensation for the victims of police brutality, accountability in police operations, and punishment for erring SARS officers alongside psychological and medical evaluation for all the SARS operatives.
Amnesty International reported that at least 56 people died across the country during the protest, which began on October 8, 2020. There were also #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.
The Need for Change
The resurgence of the culture of protests, especially by Gen-Z, should be concerning to Nigerian authorities. This country has an estimated 60 per cent youth population, with many of them tech-savvy. While it is true that President Bola Tinubu has established a full-fledged youth development ministry, coupled with the existence of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, these measures are not enough to placate the restive youths who still feel short-changed and excluded from the decision-making process of the country.
President Tinubu brought back the student loan scheme, where he said in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast that approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5bn, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7bn.
Under the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the age qualification for electoral contest as president was reduced from 40 to 35 and that of House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly were reduced from 30 to 25 in what was widely known as the Not–Too–Young–To–Run Act. On the flip side, however, while many youths seek to contest elections, the highly monetised electoral process prevents them from emerging as candidates or winning at the general elections.
The Path Forward
More youths need to be involved in the decision-making process and given a leadership role. Government at all levels needs to create an enabling environment for Nigerian youths to get jobs or be self-employed. This is why the government needs to double down on insecurity, corruption, and the rising cost of living. Should these continue to fester, no matter the kind gestures the government may extend to Nigerian youths, it will not be enough. Youths want equity, justice, and fairness. Will they get it?
