UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) initiative has reached an impressive milestone, empowering nearly 9 million young Nigerians through innovative partnerships in digital learning, skills training, and youth engagement.
Surpassing its initial target of 7.5 million youth within three years, GenU 9JA’s success story underlines the transformative power of collaboration across public, private, and youth sectors in Nigeria.
At the annual Steering Committee meeting that held at Airtel Headquarters in Lagos, GenU 9JA partners convened to celebrate these achievements and strategize for the future. This Public-Private-Youth Partnership (PPYP) is aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s youth landscape by equipping the next generation with vital skills, digital connectivity, and pathways to meaningful employment. Attendees included representatives from government, private sector giants, civil society, UN agencies, and young leaders from across Nigeria.
UNICEF Nigeria’s Representative, Cristian Munduate, highlighted the urgency of investing in youth as the engine of Nigeria’s future.
She says: “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.”
Also, at the event, Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Carl Cruz, reiterated the importance of digital access as a critical step in closing educational and economic gaps. Through the ongoing UNICEF-Airtel Reimagine Education Program, Airtel has connected over 1,260 schools, extending digital learning tools to underserved communities across Nigeria. “No young Nigerian should be left behind in this digital age,” Cruz remarked, highlighting Airtel’s commitment to enabling nationwide access to digital education.
Beyond digital connectivity, GenU 9JA has been a catalyst for entrepreneurship, with organizations like the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) driving impactful programs. TEF’s CEO, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, highlighted the foundation’s role in supporting Africa’s young entrepreneurs. “Since 2015, our Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered over 20,000 young people, creating over 400,000 jobs,” Chris-Asoluka said. TEF’s recent BeGreen Africa initiative now aims to equip 400 young Nigerian entrepreneurs with sustainable business skills, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.
The committee reviewed GenU 9JA’s progress across its core pillars—Connectivity and Digital Learning, Workplace Readiness, and Youth Engagement.
To date, over 800,000 young Nigerians have gained access to digital learning tools like the Nigeria Learning Passport, bridging educational divides.
Meanwhile, over one million youth have accessed employability training and livelihood opportunities, while another 500,000 young Nigerians have participated in youth-led programs that give them a voice in local and national issues.
As GenU 9JA charts its path toward a 2030 goal of impacting 20 million Nigerian youth, the initiative is calling on all sectors to step up their support.
The committee urged continuous investments from government, private companies, and civil society to ensure that Nigerian youth are prepared for meaningful contributions to the country’s development.
Since its launch in 2021, GenU 9JA has expanded opportunities for Nigeria’s youth, leveraging partnerships across the public and private sectors. The initiative is part of UNICEF’s global Generation Unlimited movement, created in 2018 to support youth aged 10-24 in skill development, employment, and civic engagement worldwide.
UNICEF remains dedicated to empowering Nigeria’s youth, understanding that a skilled and engaged generation is essential to Nigeria’s prosperity.
