The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has launched the Institute of Social Policy. The new institute aims to strengthen research, generate evidence, shape effective policy, and build capacity across all levels of government and institutions in Nigeria.
This initiative, which was unveiled at a formal event on the university campus, is the product of a long-standing strategic partnership between UNICEF and UNIZIK that began in 2018. It is backed by both technical and financial support from UNICEF.
According to Susan Akila, UNICEF’s Communication and Advocacy Specialist, the Social Policy Programme was created to fill critical gaps in knowledge and capacity, and it is aligned with UNICEF’s broader commitment to strengthening governance systems and promoting the rights of children.
The Institute offers a range of postgraduate qualifications, including a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s in Social Policy (MSP), Master of Science (MSc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Policy. In addition to these academic programmes, the institute will run short professional courses designed for organisations, focusing on key areas such as poverty measurement and analysis, public financial management, social protection and investment, and social policy design, analysis, and evaluation.
Speaking at the launch, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, described the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards evidence-based policy planning.
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“This initiative marks a significant step in developing a strong cadre of professionals equipped to design and implement policies that reflect the needs of children and women. By working closely with academic institutions, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable social development,” Munduate said.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, welcomed the development as a milestone in the university’s commitment to social research and national development.
“The establishment of the Institute of Social Policy marks a new era for our university in advancing research, training, and capacity building in social policy. Through this partnership with UNICEF, we are determined to prepare the next generation of leaders to tackle complex social challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in Nigeria,” Ikechebelu said.
The launch of the Institute reinforces UNICEF’s strategy to localise development initiatives, build institutional capacity, and promote policies that are inclusive, child-sensitive, and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
