LAGOS, Nigeria — In a significant stride toward bridging gender gaps in technology and skilled trades, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), through its Generation Unlimited (GenU) initiative, has empowered 200 girls with startup toolkits after they successfully completed training under the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) programme.
The graduation ceremony, held at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), marked the presentation of National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level Two certificates alongside essential work kits. The training focused on four in-demand skill areas: web and mobile application development, GSM/mobile phone repair, and computer hardware maintenance.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF South-West Nigeria Chief Field Officer, Celine Lafoucriere—represented by Social Policy Specialist, Mr. Muhammad Okorie—highlighted the crucial role of Yabatech as a strategic partner in promoting youth skills development.
“This partnership has enabled thousands of girls and young women to acquire market-relevant skills that position them for employment and entrepreneurship,” Lafoucriere stated. “Empowerment through skills is vital for global economic and social progress, and Nigeria’s large youth population makes this work more urgent than ever.”
The initiative, which also enjoys support from the Nigerian Government, the UK Government, and other GESP stakeholders, aims to scale proven, gender-responsive training programmes for marginalized girls.
In a keynote address, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Wife of the Lagos State Governor—represented by Mrs. Abimbola Odunmbaku—commended the impact of the initiative. She emphasized that education and empowerment of young women play a critical role in national development.
“When we empower our girls with tools and knowledge, we prepare them to become not just self-sufficient but also contributors to the betterment of their communities,” she said.
Yabatech Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, expressed his appreciation for the continued collaboration. “This distribution of toolkits marks a major step from learning to earning. It’s a testament to how powerful partnerships can transform lives,” he noted.
According to GESP Project Coordinator, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, 200 toolkits—comprising 50 laptops each for girls trained in web development, mobile app development, and computer hardware repair, along with GSM/mobile repair kits—were distributed to top-performing participants.
“These girls have shown resilience, growth, and excellence throughout the programme. This initiative not only equips them with tools but also confidence and purpose,” Doherty said.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Faith Joseph, who trained in mobile phone repair, shared her excitement: “I’m grateful to UNICEF and Yabatech for this life-changing opportunity. This skill has given me a future I never imagined.”
Launched in 2024, the GESP programme targets the empowerment of 5,250 young women across Nigeria by providing gender-responsive technical and digital skills that connect them to sustainable livelihoods in both the informal and ICT sectors.
