By Ayodimeji Olugbusi
The United Nations Children’s Fund Nigeria (UNICEF) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have marked a significant milestone in youth development with the formal launch of the Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) National Secretariat.
The Secretariat, inaugurated on March 31, 2026, is now domiciled within the Office of the Vice President, underscoring strong government commitment to prioritizing young people in Nigeria’s development agenda.
Since its inception in 2021, Generation Unlimited Nigeria has reached over 11 million young people across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative has provided access to digital skills training, employment pathways, and civic engagement opportunities, with a particular focus on empowering young women and marginalized groups. It aims to impact 20 million youths by 2030.
The newly established Secretariat will function as a central coordination hub under a Public-Private-Youth Partnership framework. It is co-led by the Office of the Vice President and UNICEF, bringing together government ministries, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and youth representatives to strengthen policies and scale up programmes in skills development, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.
UNICEF Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the initiative through technical expertise, data-driven strategies, and systems development. The organization emphasised its focus on creating sustainable “learning-to-earning” pathways that equip young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the Secretariat will accelerate efforts to unlock opportunities for millions of Nigerian youths nationwide.
