The Federal Government and UNICEF have launched the Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU) national secretariat, officially inaugurated on March 31, to expand skills, employment and economic opportunities for young Nigerians. Housed within the Office of the Vice-President, the secretariat underscores the government's commitment to youth inclusion in national development. Since its launch in 2021, GenU has reached over 11 million young people across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with targeted support for young women and marginalised groups. The initiative aims to impact 20 million youths by 2030. Co-led by the Office of the Vice-President and UNICEF, the secretariat will serve as a coordination hub, integrating efforts among ministries, private sector actors, development partners and youth. It will focus on strengthening policies and investments in youth skilling, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and employment pathways. UNICEF Nigeria reaffirmed its role in providing technical expertise and evidence-based programming to scale learning-to-earning opportunities. The agency stressed the importance of measurable outcomes and collaboration with stakeholders to deliver lasting impact.
Hosting the GenU secretariat in the Office of the Vice-President elevates youth issues to a high-level policy space, but real change depends on sustained funding and inter-agency coordination. With 11 million youths already reached, the initiative has traction, yet expanding to 20 million by 2030 requires more than symbolism. The inclusion of private sector and youth voices in the structure suggests a shift from top-down planning, but delivery will hinge on execution, not just co-leadership titles. For millions of unemployed young Nigerians, the metric that matters is not secretariat launches, but jobs secured and skills monetised.
