Abuja: The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to train 20 million young Nigerians in digital skills by 2030. Vice-President Kashim Shettima shared this development during a meeting with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall. The meeting was also attended by UNICEF Deputy Representative Dr. Rownak Khan and Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Vice-President Shettima emphasized the dual nature of Nigeria’s burgeoning population, which stands at over 230 million with an average age of 17, as both a challenge and an opportunity. He accepted the role of chairing the board of Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), a platform designed to help young Nigerians aged 10 to 24 transition from learning to earning through digital connectivity.
Shettima expressed his enthusiasm for GenU 9JA and its alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on inclusive development, digital innovation, and youth empowerment. He stressed that Nigeria is seeking sustainable partnerships rather than charitable handouts, emphasizing the importance of a mutually beneficial relationship based on respect and shared interests.
Mohammed Fall highlighted the importance of the GenU 9JA platform in tackling issues such as youth unemployment, educational inequality, and digital exclusion. Dr. Rownak Khan praised Nigeria’s success with the GenU 9JA initiative, noting its significant impact on youth empowerment compared to other countries.
Celine Lafoucriere revealed that, since its inception in 2022, GenU 9JA has already impacted over 10 million young people and secured 1,500 job linkages. She emphasized the need for strengthened coordination among partners and closer alignment with national policy to achieve the target of reaching 20 million youths by 2030.