The Federal Government, in partnership with UNICEF, has formally launched the Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) National Secretariat, marking a major step in efforts to expand opportunities for young people across the country.
The Secretariat, unveiled on March 31, 2026, is now domiciled within the Office of the Vice President, a move seen as a strong indication of government commitment to placing youth development at the core of national priorities.
The initiative is part of Generation Unlimited Nigeria, a public-private-youth partnership launched in 2021 to connect young Nigerians to education, skills acquisition, and employment opportunities.
Since its inception, the programme has reached more than 11 million youths across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a focus on digital skills, employability pathways, and civic engagement, particularly targeting young women and those from underserved communities.
With a goal of impacting 20 million young Nigerians by 2030, stakeholders say the establishment of the National Secretariat represents a critical next phase in scaling the initiative.
Co-led by the Office of the Vice President and UNICEF, the Secretariat is designed to function as a high-level coordination hub, bringing together government ministries, private sector players, development partners, and youth representatives to align policies, programmes, and investments.
Officials say the platform will drive large-scale interventions in youth skilling, entrepreneurship, employment, and digital inclusion, with an emphasis on speed, impact, and measurable outcomes.
Reaffirming its role, UNICEF Nigeria said it would continue to provide technical expertise in building “learning-to-earning” pathways, leveraging data and innovation to support sustainable youth empowerment.
The partners expressed optimism that the strengthened framework would accelerate progress in addressing youth unemployment and unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s growing young population.
