Lagos: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Generation Unlimited (GenU) has empowered 200 girls with startup toolkits following their completion of a training program under the Girls' Education and Skills Partnership (GESP). The presentation ceremony took place at the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) and was attended by various dignitaries, including Celine Lafoucriere, Chief Field Officer of UNICEF, South-West Nigeria, who identified Yabatech as a key partner in advancing skills development in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the GESP program focused on four key skills areas: web application development, mobile application development, GSM and mobile phone repair, and computer hardware maintenance repair. Lafoucriere, represented by UNICEF's Social Policy Specialist, Mr. Muhammad Okorie, highlighted that the collaboration with Yabatech has fostered an environment conducive to equipping thousands of girls and young women with market-oriented skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Lafoucriere emphasized the importance of empowerment as a vital factor for economic and social development globally, noting the urgency due to Nigeria's large youth population. She announced that the first and second cohorts of the program have gained credentials, receiving certification at the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level Two. The graduates also received essential toolkits to further enhance their skills and succeed in the labor market.
UNICEF remains committed to addressing the needs of children and youths by expanding evidence-based skills programs for marginalized girls and young women, in collaboration with the Nigerian Government, the UK Government, and GESP partners. In her keynote address, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Wife of the Lagos State Governor, praised the initiative as a significant step toward nurturing a productive future for girls. She commended Yabatech, UNICEF, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for their impactful program.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Abimbola Odunmbaku, stressed the importance of education in helping young women realize their potential and make informed decisions. She urged stakeholders to advocate for a comprehensive educational approach that prepares children academically, financially, emotionally, and socially. Dr. Sanwo-Olu assured that the state government will continue to support policies and programs that create an inclusive and safe environment for youth development.
Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of Yabatech, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and partners for their support. He highlighted the distribution of startup toolkits as a crucial step in transitioning beneficiaries from learning to earning, demonstrating the transformative power of partnership. Abdul reiterated Yabatech's commitment to initiatives bridging the gender gap in STEM, digital innovation, and skilled trades.
Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, GESP Project Coordinator at Yabatech, announced the distribution of 50 laptops each to the best-performing girls in web application development, mobile application development, computer hardware maintenance, and GSM and mobile phone repair. Doherty noted the initiative's launch in 2024, aiming to empower 5,250 young women with relevant technical and digital skills, ultimately connecting them to improved livelihoods in the informal and ICT sectors.