***GenU 9JA Marks Three Years of Transformative Impact on Nigerian Youth
The UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) Public-Private-Youth-Partnership (PPYP) convened its annual Steering Committee meeting today at the Airtel Headquarters in Lagos, celebrating three years of remarkable achievements and setting ambitious goals for the future. Dedicated to transforming the lives of Nigerian youth, GenU 9JA connects young people with skills development, digital learning, and pathways to sustainable livelihoods. The meeting gathered partners from government, the private sector, civil society, and youth leaders, underscoring the commitment to advancing opportunities for Nigerian youth.
Since its launch, GenU 9JA has exceeded its original target of reaching 7.5 million young Nigerians within three years, empowering over 9 million youth and paving the way toward its 2030 objective of connecting 20 million young people with skills and growth opportunities. During the meeting, the committee reviewed progress across GenU 9JA’s three core pillars: Connectivity and Digital Learning, Workplace Readiness, and Youth Engagement. Key partners provided updates on their contributions, demonstrating how collaborative efforts have driven GenU 9JA’s success.
Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Carl Cruz, highlighted the impact of digital access through the UNICEF-Airtel Reimagine Education Program, an initiative under GenU 9JA. “Airtel is proud to play a role in ensuring no young Nigerian is left behind in this digital age. The success we’ve seen in the 1,260 schools connected through our partnership is both inspiring and encouraging,” Cruz stated, emphasizing Airtel’s commitment to bridging digital divides across Nigeria.
Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), spoke on the impact of youth entrepreneurship on economic growth. “Young people are the engines of Africa’s economic transformation. Since 2015, our TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered over 20,000 young entrepreneurs, creating more than 400,000 jobs. Through our BeGreen Africa initiative, we will now support over 400 young entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond with green-focused training, mentorship, and capital to foster sustainable ventures,” Chris-Asoluka explained, stressing TEF’s focus on environmentally conscious entrepreneurship.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria’s Representative, highlighted the necessity of ongoing investment in youth for national growth. “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 shaping a brighter future for Nigeria,” Munduate stated, affirming UNICEF’s commitment to empowering youth as a foundation for societal transformation.
GenU 9JA’s achievements over the past three years reflect the program’s commitment to digital learning, workplace readiness, and youth-led community engagement. With over 800,000 youth accessing digital learning through platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), and more than one million acquiring employability skills, the initiative has made substantial progress. Additionally, 500,000 youth have participated in leadership programs, amplifying their voices as agents of change in their communities.
The committee concluded with a call to action, urging the government, private sector, and civil society to sustain investments in Nigeria’s youth. As GenU 9JA continues to pave the way for young Nigerians, the partnership underscores the importance of preparing youth to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
