Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday officially inaugurated the Office of the Vice-President, Generation Unlimited (GenU) secretariat, marking a significant step toward expanding youth-focused development initiatives in Nigeria.
The programme, led by UNICEF, is structured as a Public-Private-Youth Partnership aimed at linking 20 million young people to education, skill acquisition, and livelihood opportunities by the year 2030.
Speaking during the inauguration, Shettima explained that the establishment of the secretariat would fast-track the rollout of the initiative while strengthening collaboration among relevant government institutions.
He noted that the platform would help ensure that skills development efforts are better aligned with the needs of both communities and industries.
According to him, accessibility would be enhanced through a transparent system designed to benefit all participants.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, stated that the framework of the programme is consistent with the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.
He added that it would support the federal government’s drive to stimulate grassroots economies, with a focus on all 8,809 electoral wards nationwide.
Deputy Minister of Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, said the vice-president’s vision had provided clear strategic direction for the secretariat’s mandate.
She affirmed that the Federal Ministry of Education would adopt the GenU programme as a technical reference, especially in conducting a skills census.
She further noted that the outcomes would be incorporated into the ministry’s broader plans for vocational education and skills development.
Meanwhile, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Abdelatef, described the decision to situate the secretariat within the Office of the Vice-President as a strong indication of the country’s dedication to youth development.
She observed that Nigeria is showing leadership across Africa, particularly in leveraging multiple initiatives to drive job creation.
She also reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the GenU initiative, especially “in bringing in technical expertise in specific programmes”.
