UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria Empowers 9Million Youths Via Innovative Partnerships 

The UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) has empowered over 9 million young Nigerians on digital learning, skills development and youth participation, surpassing the three-year target of 7.5 million.

This milestone positions the initiative well on its journey to achieving its 2030 goal of connecting 20 million young people with opportunities for growth and impact.

Convening its annual steering committee in Lagos to to celebrate three years of groundbreaking achievements and set ambitious targets for the future, the UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) Public-Private-Youth-Partnership (PPYP) Platform reaffirmed GenU 9JA’s commitment to transforming the lives of millions of Nigerian youths by connecting them to opportunities for skills development, digital learning, and livelihood pathways.

The committee reviewed progress across its three core pillars: Connectivity and Digital Learning, Workplace Readiness, and Youth Engagement. Key partners presented updates on their respective contributions, underlining how collaboration has driven success.

CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz who spoke at the event, emphasized the transformative potential of digital access, citing the ongoing UNICEF-Airtel Reimagine Education Program, a part of the 4GenU 9JA initiative.

“He said: Airtel is proud to play a role in ensuring no young Nigerian is left behind in this digital age. We are encouraged by the success recorded so far among the 1,260 schools connected through our partnership.”

Also speaking, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Somachi Chris-Asoluka, highlighted the impact of youth entrepreneurship saying, “Young people are the engines of Africa’s economic transformation. Since 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered over 20,000 young entrepreneurs, creating more than 400,000 jobs.

“Our BeGreen Africa initiative will now support over 400 young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa, with green-focused training, mentorship, and seed capital to advance sustainable ventures.”

UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Christian Munduate, reiterated the urgency for continued investment in youth: “The future of any nation lies in the hands of its children and youth. By providing skills, opportunities, and a platform for engagement, we are not only changing individual lives but also shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.”

GenU 9JA noted the achievements of GenU 9JA in the last three years in the areas of digital learning and connectivity, workplace readiness and youth engagement.

“In the last three years, Over 800,000 young Nigerians now have access to digital learning tools, such as the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) bridging educational gaps in underserved areas.

“Over one million youth have gained employability skills and livelihood opportunities. Over 500,000 young people have participated in youth-led programmes, amplifying their voices as changemakers in their communities.”

Seeking continued investment in Nigeria’s youth to sustain the momentum, GenU 9JA urged the government, private sector, and civil societies to further their support for young people, ensuring they were prepared for meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s development.”

GenU 9JA Achievements Over Three Years

Digital Learning and Connectivity: Over 3 million young Nigerians now have access to digital learning tools, such as the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) and the Youth Agency Market Place (YOMA) bridging educational gaps in underserved areas.

Workplace Readiness: Over 2 million youth have gained work-related skills and livelihood opportunities.

Youth Engagement: Nearly 3 million youth have participated in youth-led programmes, amplifying their voices as changemakers in their communities.

Call to Action

The committee concluded with a call for continued investment in Nigeria’s children and youth. To sustain this momentum, UNICEF GenU 9JA urges the government, private sector, and civil society to further their support to children and youth, ensuring they are prepared for meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s development.

About GenU 9JA

In 2018, UNICEF launched the global Generation Unlimited movement to meet the urgent needs of young people between the ages of 10-24, expanding learning, skill development, employment, and engagement opportunities. The Nigeria chapter of Generation Unlimited – GenU 9JA – was launched in 2021.

Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) at UNICEF, is an ambitious multi-stakeholder Public-Private-Youth-Partnership (PPYP) platform that aims to prepare young people to transition from education and learning to productive work and active citizenship. It was formed by UNICEF, together with public and private sector partners, development partners, civil society organizations, foundations, and young people.

UNICEF GenU 9JA Partners:

UNICEF; Tony Elumelu Foundation; Airtel Nigeria; MTN; ATC Nigeria; PwC; Tech4Dev; Cisco; Unilever; GIZ Nigeria; Jobberman; IHS Nigeria; Microsoft; UNDP; ILO; World Bank; UNFPA; AFDB; LSETF; LSMYSD; USAID DAI; Netherlands Embassy; DSM-Firmenich; SDSN Nigeria; Federal Ministry of Education; Nigerian Girls Guilds Association.