The Federal Government has renewed its strategic partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to equip 20 million young Nigerians with digital skills by 2030.
The initiative is being driven under the Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) platform, a public-private-youth partnership designed to support Nigerians aged 10 to 24 in transitioning from learning to earning through digital connectivity.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has renewed its strategic partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (@UNICEF_Nigeria) to train and empower 20 million young Nigerians with digital skills by 2030.
This comes as Vice President @KashimSM has… pic.twitter.com/1pn02HVJkn
— Senator Kashim Shettima (@officialSKSM) June 3, 2025
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has been appointed Chairman of the GenU 9JA board, made the announcement during a meeting with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall; UNICEF Deputy Representative, Dr Rownak Khan; and Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere. The meeting was held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
Shettima described Nigeria’s youth population estimated at over 230 million, with an average age of 17 as both a challenge and an opportunity. He stressed the importance of equipping young people with digital skills as a pathway to sustainable development.
“It is an honour for me to serve as Chairman of Generation Unlimited Nigeria. This platform opens up a wealth of opportunities for our youth. Beyond rhetoric, if we want to survive and thrive, we must empower our young people through digital means. That is the only way forward,” the Vice President said.
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The GenU 9JA initiative is in alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive development, digital innovation, and youth empowerment.
Shettima reiterated that Nigeria was not seeking charity, but meaningful, equitable partnerships.
“We are not looking for handouts. What we want is a mutually beneficial relationship built on mutual respect and shared goals. This digital initiative is one I am deeply passionate about not just as a leader, but in our collective interest. If we want to live in this region and thrive, we must involve and empower our youth,” he stated.
