In tackling youth unemployment, Vice President Kashim Shettima launched the Office of the Vice President–Generation Unlimited (OVP-GenU) Secretariat on Tuesday.
The new office is designed to act as the “engine room” for a nationwide initiative aiming to connect 20 million young Nigerians to education, skills, and livelihood opportunities by 2030.
The GenU Nigeria initiative is a Public-Private-Youth Partnership (PPYP) led by UNICEF.
By establishing a dedicated secretariat within the Presidency, the government seeks to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the evolving demands of modern industry.
Representing the Vice President at the launch, Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, highlighted that the secretariat would drive transparency and efficiency.
“The office will accelerate programme delivery and strengthen partnerships across government agencies,” Shettima said, stressing the need for “a proper alignment of skills with the needs of communities, industries, and society at large.”
A key part of this mission is the forthcoming National Skills Census.
READ ALSO
Secretariat Coordinator Rimamskeb Nuhu urged ministries to support the census, which will create a “Single Source of Truth” for skills data in Nigeria.
This intelligence will guide the National Council on Skills, prevent duplication of efforts, and ensure more effective policy-making.
The initiative is closely linked to the government’s broader economic plans.
Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasised that the GenU framework aligns with the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), which seeks to stimulate economic activity across Nigeria’s 8,809 electoral wards.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
Meanwhile, Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, confirmed that the Ministry will adopt the GenU programme as a technical guide.
Data from the skills census will directly inform vocational training strategies across the country.
UNICEF’s Nigeria Representative, Wafaa Abdelatef, commended Nigeria’s leadership in youth empowerment.
She described the decision to host the secretariat within the Vice President’s office as a clear demonstration of political will.
To extend the programme to grassroots communities, the government plans to leverage existing infrastructure.
Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation, pledged to use the network of National MSME Clinics and “Shared Hubs” to expand skills training across the country.
Additionally, the Secretariat will secure formal representation from various ministries to establish a unified delivery unit, ensuring the programme’s long-term sustainability.
With the 2030 target in sight, the launch of this secretariat signals a move from policy statements to active coordination, focusing on a future where Nigerian youths are not only educated but also employable and economically empowered.
