By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
In a milestone move for the nation’s demographic future, the Federal Government of Nigeria and UNICEF have formally inaugurated the Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) National Secretariat strategically anchored within the Office of the Vice President on March 31, 2026.
This high-level placement serves as a definitive signal of the government’s commitment to placing young people at the absolute center of Nigeria’s national development agenda,with the establishment marking a transition from a successful pilot phase to a permanent, institutionalized engine for growth.
Since its inception in 2021, GenU 9JA has already demonstrated remarkable scale, impacting over 11 million young Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, By providing access to digital skills and employment pathways.
while the initiative has laid a solid foundation for what is now one of the continent’s most ambitious youth-focused efforts, with a core focus on equity and inclusion, the program has been specifically designed to reach young women and youth from marginalized communities, ensuring that the “learning-to-earning” journey is accessible to those who need it most.
This inclusive approach is vital for social stability and ensures that the benefits of the digital economy are distributed across all layers of Nigerian society.
Looking toward the future, the Secretariat has set a bold target to reach 20 million young people by 2030.
While the synergy is intended to deliver skilling, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion programs with a newfound sense of urgency and scale,the Secretariat will serve as the primary coordination point for various line ministries and development partners.
This centralized oversight is expected to accelerate the transition of millions of students from classrooms into meaningful economic roles.
As a co-lead in this venture, UNICEF Nigeria has reaffirmed its technical and systemic support for the initiative. Leveraging its global expertise, UNICEF will focus on designing data-driven pathways that bridge the gap between education and employability.
The organization’s role remains centered on ensuring that evidence and results drive the Secretariat’s decision-making process to maximize impact for every beneficiary.
Ultimately, the launch of the GenU 9JA National Secretariat represents more than just an administrative update; it is a promise of transformation. By fostering a collaborative environment involving the Presidency, the private sector, and young Nigerians themselves, the partnership aims to deliver the sustainable change and economic opportunities that the nation’s youth deserve to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
