From News Editor
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has stressed the need to prepare Nigeria’s youth for a rapidly changing world as torchbearers of sustainable development.
The UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate stated this in an exclusive with Plus TV Africa to mark the 2024 International Youth Day celebration.
Munduate said: “Young people are the torchbearers of sustainable development. They are the architects of our shared future, and it’s time for all stakeholders to support them. The time is now; we cannot wait.”
She said that Nigeria faces a significant gap in education and job readiness among its youth, saying that to address these challenges, UNICEF launched the Generation Unlimited (GenU) initiative in 2018.
The UNICEF boss added that, this global initiative, which was introduced in Nigeria to support young people between the ages of 10 and 24, aims to strengthen their skills, expand learning opportunities, and prepare them for employment.
“Through GenU, we aim to engage 20 million young people by 2030,” Munduate shared. “So far, we have reached 6.2 million young Nigerians through various online platforms and programs.”
Munduate stated further that one of the key programs under GenU is Yoma, an online platform offering courses that allow young people to earn certificates, helping them progress in their education and career paths. Another critical tool is the Nigerian Learning Passport, which provides distance learning opportunities for out-of-school adolescents.
Highlighting the success stories that exemplify the impact of these initiatives, she cited the case of Saru Ishaq Ibrahim from Sokoto, a member of the GenU Youth Action Team, who has been a strong advocate for girl child education and public health. “She has led campaigns to raise awareness about critical issues, including vaccinations, in her community.”
She cited another success story in Kadisha, who initially lagged in her education but later enrolled in the Nigerian Learning Passport.
According to her, she gained essential skills and started her own tamarind juice business, which has been profitable enough to fund her education. Kadisha’s entrepreneurial spirit underscores the potential of Nigerian youth when given the right tools and opportunities.
However, she said that despite these successes recorded, challenges remain. Saying :”Access to technology and education in many parts of Nigeria is still limited, especially in rural areas.”
Munduate therefore called on the government and educational institutions to prioritize investments in technology and education.
“Access to technology requires funds, but it’s an investment with massive long-term gains,” she noted. “Providing platforms for learning and making them accessible across rural communities will empower the youth, ultimately offering value for money.”
As Nigeria continues to develop, the role of young people in shaping the nation’s future cannot be overstated. With initiatives like GenU and continued support from government and private sector partners, the potential for sustainable development driven by the youth is within reach.
