Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), spearheaded by UNICEF, has successfully equipped close to nine million young Nigerians with digital learning tools, skill-building programs, and livelihood opportunities. This Public-Private-Youth Partnership (PPYP) is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment, guiding youths into productive roles and active citizenship.
At its annual Steering Committee meeting in Lagos, GenU 9JA celebrated three years of impactful progress, set ambitious goals for the future, and reaffirmed its commitment to empowering millions more young Nigerians. UNICEF Nigeria’s Representative, Cristian Munduate, highlighted achievements and ongoing efforts to connect youth with education, employment, and engagement opportunities.
The meeting focused on three main pillars: Digital Connectivity and Learning, Workplace Readiness, and Youth Engagement. Key stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders, civil society members, and young participants, discussed collaborative success stories and future goals.
Munduate noted that GenU 9JA has exceeded its three-year target by reaching nine million youths, surpassing the initial goal of 7.5 million. “This positions us well to meet our 2030 goal of connecting 20 million young people with life-changing opportunities,” she said. Over 800,000 youths now have access to digital learning through the Nigeria Learning Passport, while one million others have gained employability skills, and 500,000 have engaged in community programs as changemakers.
Carl Cruz, Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, emphasized the value of digital access, referencing Airtel’s role in UNICEF’s Reimagine Education Programme, which has connected 1,260 schools, ensuring Nigerian youths are equipped for the digital era. “Airtel is proud to help ensure that no young Nigerian is left behind in this digital age,” Cruz said.
Similarly, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), praised youth entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth. TEF has empowered over 20,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, creating 400,000 jobs. Through its BeGreen Africa initiative, TEF is also supporting 400 green-focused entrepreneurs across Africa, from Nigeria to Morocco, with training, mentorship, and startup capital.
In closing, the GenU 9JA committee called for increased investment in Nigeria’s youth. They urged government, private sector, and civil society leaders to enhance support systems to ensure young Nigerians are ready for impactful roles in the nation’s development.
