Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), UNICEF’s Public-Private-Youth-Partnership platform, has been officially institutionalised under the Office of the Vice President, which marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s youth development initiatives.
Since its launch in 2021, the platform that provides vital access to digital learning, employment pathways, and civic engagement opportunities has successfully impacted over 11 million young Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a particular emphasis on young women and marginalised youth.
During the annual Steering Committee meeting in Lagos, co-chaired by the Office of the Vice President, UNICEF Nigeria, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, representatives from government, the private sector, development partners, and youth leaders convened to review progress and set priorities for 2026 and beyond.
UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms Wafaa Saeed, who announced that GenU 9JA has been institutionalised under the Office of the Vice President, stated that with over 11 million young Nigerians impacted in four years, the platform is on track to achieve its goal of supporting 20 million young people in their transition from learning to earning by 2030.
Wafa stated, ‘This step reflects the government’s strong commitment to creating opportunities for young people across the country.’
Rimamskeb Nuhu, Special Assistant to the President, Strategy and Policy (Workforce Development), Office of the Vice President (OVP), in a press release signed by Blessing, said, ‘The mission of GenU 9JA aligns with the Government of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Digital Access and Livelihoods Initiative (DALI), initiatives that aim to open more pathways for youth employment and entrepreneurship.’
In a remark, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said the private sector, particularly young entrepreneurs, are the engines of Africa’s transformation, adding, ‘The Tony Elumelu Foundation will continue to provide Africa’s youth with the mentorship, resources, and networks that are required to build sustainable businesses through our partnership with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited.’
The review of the GenU 9JA indicated that the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) programme successfully connected more than 400,000 youth to skills development, livelihoods and empowerment opportunities.
About 20,000 young women acquired technical and digital skills, and over 85,000 received mentorships through the Future-X Campus Ambassadors Programme.
Civic engagement saw a notable increase, with over 665,000 youth participating in social impact initiatives and more than 300,000 youth mobilised for environmental action through the Green Rising initiative.
Despite the progress made so far, GenU 9JA is looking to support 2.5 million youth with jobs, training, and entrepreneurship in 2026. This plan will include scaling YOMA from the current 400,000 to 2 million users, expanding Green Rising to universities, and offering grants to youth-led start-ups.
As the initiative enters its next phase, partners reaffirmed their commitment to collective action and investment in young people, recognising them as central to Nigeria’s social and economic progress.
GenU 9JA (Generation Unlimited Nigeria) is UNICEF’s youth platform launched in 2021 to support Nigerians aged 10-24 in transitioning from learning to earning. By 2030, it aims to reach 20 million youth with digital education, skills, and civic opportunities. Co-led by Nigeria’s Vice President and UNICEF, GenU 9JA has empowered over 11 million youth through partnerships with 40+ organisations nationwide.