Nigerians are at the forefront of the nation’s push to drive economic and social progress, using their energy, creativity and resilience.
With a growing population of young people, the need for equipping them with the right skills, education, and opportunities has never been more critical.
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate in an exclusive with Plus TV Africa shed light on the pressing need to prepare Nigeria’s youth for a rapidly changing world on the backdrop of this year’s International Youth Day celebration.
According to her: “Young people are the torchbearers of sustainable development,” Munduate emphasized. They are the architects of our shared future, and it’s time for all stakeholders to support them. The time is now; we cannot wait.”
The challenge, according to Munduate, is immense. Nigeria faces a significant gap in education and job readiness among its youth. To address these challenges, UNICEF launched the Generation Unlimited (GenU) initiative in 2018. This global initiative, which was introduced in Nigeria to support young people between the ages of 10 and 24, aims to strengthen their skills, expand learning opportunities, and prepare them for employment.
“Through GenU, we aim to engage 20 million young people by 2030,” Munduate shared. “So far, we have reached 6.2 million young Nigerians through various online platforms and programs.”
The country rep explained that one of the key programs under GenU is Yoma, an online platform offering courses that allow young people to earn certificates, helping them progress in their education and career paths. Another critical tool is the Nigerian Learning Passport, which provides distance learning opportunities for out-of-school adolescents.
Munduate also highlighted success stories that exemplify the impact of these initiatives. For instance, Saru Ishaq Ibrahim from Sokoto, a member of the GenU Youth Action Team, has been a strong advocate for girl child education and public health. She has led campaigns to raise awareness about critical issues, including vaccinations, in her community.
Another success story is Kadisha, who initially lagged in her education but later enrolled in the Nigerian Learning Passport. She gained essential skills and started her own tamarind juice business, which has been profitable enough to fund her education. Kadisha’s entrepreneurial spirit underscores the potential of Nigerian youth when given the right tools and opportunities.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Access to technology and education in many parts of Nigeria is still limited, especially in rural areas. Munduate therefore called on the government and educational institutions to prioritize investments in technology and education.
“Access to technology requires funds, but it’s an investment with massive long-term gains,” she noted. “Providing platforms for learning and making them accessible across rural communities will empower the youth, ultimately offering value for money.”
As Nigeria continues to develop, the role of young people in shaping the nation’s future cannot be overstated. With initiatives like GenU and continued support from government and private sector partners, the potential for sustainable development driven by the youth is within reach.
The time to act is now, ensuring that Nigeria’s young population is well-prepared to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Happy International Youth Day!
