UNICEF’s GenU 9JA Celebrates 3 Years of Empowering Nigerian Youth: Surpasses Milestone, Sets Ambitious New Targets
By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe
The UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) platform held its annual Steering Committee meeting at the Airtel Headquarters in Lagos, marking three years of remarkable achievements and setting ambitious future goals.
The Public-Private-Youth-Partnership (PPYP) initiative, which has already reached over 9 million young Nigerians, reaffirmed its commitment to transforming youth lives by providing pathways to skill development, digital learning, and employment.
This was contained in a Press statement signed by Blessing Ejiofor Communication Officer UNICEF Lagos Office made available to Newsmen via email.
The meeting brought together partners from government, the private sector, civil society, UN organizations, and young Nigerians, all united under a shared vision for youth empowerment. GenU 9JA’s accomplishments so far have exceeded expectations, surpassing its original three-year target of reaching 7.5 million youths. With a 2030 goal to empower 20 million young Nigerians, the initiative is well on track.
Key discussions centered on GenU 9JA’s three focus areas: Digital Learning and Connectivity, Workplace Readiness, and Youth Engagement. Updates from partners underscored the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change.
Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, highlighted the role of digital access through the UNICEF-Airtel Reimagine Education Program, part of GenU 9JA.
“Airtel is proud to contribute to closing the digital divide for Nigerian youths. So far, our partnership has connected 1,260 schools, allowing young Nigerians access to the tools needed in a digital world,” he said.
Also Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), emphasized the economic impact of youth entrepreneurship.
She explained, “Youth are Africa’s economic future. Through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, we’ve empowered over 20,000 young entrepreneurs, creating more than 400,000 jobs. Our new BeGreen Africa initiative will offer green-focused training, mentorship, and seed capital to support young entrepreneurs across five African countries, including Nigeria.”
Also speaking Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, reinforced the need for continuous investment in youth, stating, “Our nation’s future rests with its youth.
“By equipping them with skills and opportunities, we’re laying the groundwork for a brighter Nigeria.”
The GenU 9JA’s have Three Pillars of Impact:
Digital Learning and Connectivity: Over 800,000 Nigerian youth have gained access to digital learning resources, including the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), which helps bridge educational divides.
Workplace Readiness: More than one million youth have received skills training to enhance their employability and livelihood prospects.
Youth Engagement: Over 500,000 young people have engaged in youth-led programs, empowering them as active change agents within their communities.
As the meeting concluded, the committee called for greater investments in Nigeria’s youth from all sectors. Continued support, they believe, will ensure that young Nigerians are equipped for meaningful roles in the country’s development.
Launched globally by UNICEF in 2018, Generation Unlimited addresses the urgent needs of young people aged 10-24 by expanding access to learning, skills, employment, and engagement opportunities. Since its launch in Nigeria in 2021, GenU 9JA has fostered a collaborative effort to prepare youth for active citizenship and productive work.
