A new digital skills plan is now in motion. The Federal Government of Nigeria and UNICEF have agreed to work together to train 20 million young Nigerians with digital skills by the year 2030.
This important update came on Tuesday, June 4, 2025, during a meeting held in Abuja. The meeting was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and attended by top UNICEF officials including Dr Rownak Khan and Celine Lafoucriere.
Digital Skills Drive to Empower Nigeria’s Next Generation
With Nigeria’s population now over 230 million and a median age of just 17, the digital economy is being seen as a powerful tool for job creation and national development. Vice President Shettima highlighted that this youth-driven population is both a challenge and an opportunity. He explained that Nigeria must invest in useful and relevant skills, especially digital skills, if it wants to reduce unemployment and poverty.
Shettima also accepted to lead the Generation Unlimited Nigeria program—also known as GenU 9JA—as its chairman. This initiative, which targets Nigerians aged 10 to 24, is focused on helping them transition from learning into earning, using digital tools and skills.
He made it clear that the time for talk is over. “We are done with speeches,” he said. “Now it’s time for real action. If we want to see growth, our youth must be trained in digital tools, online jobs, and tech-based work.”
GenU 9JA: Training the Youth to Work Online
GenU 9JA is an ongoing program that started in 2022. It is focused on helping young people learn digital skills, connect to jobs, and earn a living. The project has already helped 10 million youth and created 1,500 direct job opportunities across the country.
The plan is now to double this number and train another 10 million youths before the end of 2030.
This move is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, which aims to give equal opportunities, promote technology, and support economic growth by building a digital workforce.
Nigeria Says No to Charity – Wants Fair Partnership
Vice President Shettima clearly said that Nigeria is not looking for handouts. He wants a strong, respectful partnership with global bodies like UNICEF.
He said, “We don’t want free gifts. What we need is support that helps us grow in a fair way. The digital world is the future, and our youth must be ready for it.”
He added that many young Nigerians are already working from home for companies based in Europe and America, proving that digital skills can open real doors.
UNICEF and UN Praise Nigeria’s Efforts
UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative, Dr Rownak Khan, praised Nigeria for being a model of youth empowerment. She said that Nigeria is proving that big plans can work when backed by strong leadership and action.
She highlighted three key areas where GenU is making a difference:
- Giving youth better access to the internet
- Helping them move from education into actual employment
- Making them feel connected to their future
She said, “Very few countries have been able to reach what Nigeria has done. The results are real and inspiring.”
UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, also praised the government for placing youth skills at the heart of its development goals. According to him, GenU is already solving major problems like youth joblessness and lack of access to tech education.
He added, “We stand with Nigeria. The leadership under President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima is serious about changing the future for young people.”
What the UN Says About Nigeria’s Leadership
UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, praised the Nigerian Government for placing youth and skills at the center of its national goals.
He mentioned that programs like GenU are already solving problems like youth joblessness, low access to education, and digital exclusion.
He said, “We fully support the Nigerian leadership under President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima. They are taking real steps to change the story for young people.”
Lagos Office Speaks on Progress So Far
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, added that coordination must improve to meet the 20 million goal by 2030.
She explained that the GenU program has already achieved impressive numbers since 2022, but reaching more people will require teamwork between the government, private companies, and international donors.
She said, “We must align better with national policy and push harder. The dream of 20 million trained youth is big, but possible.”