By Nworisa Michael
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says it has equipped more than 100,000 young people in Borno State with digital and vocational skills as part of efforts to promote youth empowerment and sustainable development in the state.
The achievement was announced by the Chief of UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Butichi, during activities marking the 2026 International Day of Education held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Butichi explained that the initiative aligns with UNICEF’s commitment to building a resilient and innovative generation capable of shaping the future of education and economic growth, particularly in conflict-affected areas. The programme also reflects the global theme of the 2026 International Day of Education, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.”
Through the Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) platform, UNICEF has reached over 11 million young people across Nigeria with various digital, vocational, and life-skills training programmes. In Borno State alone, more than 4,600 youths have received starter packs to help them translate vocational skills into sustainable livelihoods.
UNICEF also disclosed that over 255,000 young people in the state have been supported with access to digital learning tools and mobile data, while more than 400,000 youths have been linked to opportunities for skills development and employment. In addition, about 85,000 young people have benefited from mentorship programmes aimed at developing leadership capacity and career readiness.
A key component of the initiative involves engaging young people as educators in non-formal learning centres. According to UNICEF, this approach has helped thousands of out-of-school children return to learning while providing youth facilitators with practical teaching experience and employable skills.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF officials emphasised the importance of youth participation in transforming education systems to become more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. They noted that empowering young people to contribute to education policy and implementation is critical to addressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and access to education in regions affected by conflict.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government and other partners to expand learning opportunities, strengthen youth-led initiatives, and equip young people with 21st-century skills needed to drive positive change in Borno State and beyond.