As part of plans to tackle youth unemployment and unlock economic potential, Nigeria has formally launched the national secretariat of Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) to connect millions of young people to education, skills, and job opportunities.
The secretariat, unveiled on March 31, 2026, is anchored within the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, a move seen as a strong signal of government commitment to placing youth at the heart of national development.
The initiative is co-led by the Nigerian government and UNICEF, under a Public-Private-Youth Partnership (PPYP) model designed to bring together policymakers, businesses, development partners, and young people themselves.
Since its launch in 2021, GenU 9JA has already reached more than 11 million young Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The programme focuses on equipping youth, particularly young women and those from marginalised communities with digital skills, employment pathways, and opportunities for civic engagement.
With an ambitious target of impacting 20 million young people by 2030, stakeholders say the creation of the national secretariat represents a critical step toward scaling impact and improving coordination.
The new hub is expected to serve as a central platform for aligning policies, programmes, and investments in youth development. It will also strengthen collaboration between government ministries, private sector players, and international partners to deliver large-scale solutions in areas such as skills development, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.
As a co-lead partner, UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical expertise and data-driven support, particularly in designing “learning-to-earning” pathways that bridge the gap between education and employment.
The organisation emphasised the importance of evidence-based interventions and measurable outcomes in ensuring that young Nigerians are not only trained but also successfully integrated into the workforce.
