UNICEF Applauds GenU 9JA Secretariat Launch as Government's Youth Commitment Milestone
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has hailed the unveiling of the national secretariat for Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) as a powerful demonstration of the Federal Government's dedication to placing young Nigerians at the forefront of national development. The secretariat, which was officially launched on March 31, 2026, and is situated within the Office of the Vice President, represents a significant achievement in efforts to link millions of youths with education, skills acquisition, and economic opportunities.
Government Ownership and Youth Prioritization
In a statement provided to The Guardian, UNICEF emphasized that the establishment of this secretariat showcases clear government ownership and a renewed determination to prioritize young people in national planning and resource allocation. The agency commended both the Federal Government and the Nigerian populace, describing this development as a pivotal moment for the country's youth demographic. UNICEF noted that youth development is now being elevated from a peripheral issue to a central governance priority, marking a transformative shift in policy focus.
Impact and Future Goals
Since its inception in 2021, GenU 9JA has already made a substantial impact, reaching over 11 million young Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative has provided access to digital skills training, employment pathways, and civic engagement opportunities, with a particular emphasis on young women and youths from marginalized communities. Looking ahead, with a target of reaching 20 million young Nigerians by 2030, UNICEF stated that the launch of the national secretariat signifies the next phase of the initiative's expansion and scaling efforts.
Coordination and Partnership Structure
The secretariat will be co-led by the Office of the Vice President and UNICEF under the Generation Unlimited Nigeria Public-Private-Youth Partnership (PPYP). It is designed to function as a high-level coordination and systems integration hub, bringing together various ministries, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and young people themselves. Its core mandate includes:
- Strengthening policies, programmes, and investments to support youth skilling.
- Enhancing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Promoting digital inclusion on a large scale.
UNICEF's Continued Support
As a co-lead of the secretariat, UNICEF Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to this partnership, pledging ongoing technical support in designing and scaling learning-to-earning pathways. These initiatives will focus on digital skills, education, employability, and entrepreneurship, all driven by data, evidence, and measurable outcomes to ensure effective and sustainable impact for Nigeria's youth.
