Today, United Nations Children’s Fund and Unilever Nigeria Plc announced the renewal and expansion of their partnership to deepen children’s and youth skill development across Nigeria. The collaboration builds on more than two years of joint work focused on employability, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship skills aimed at equipping young people with competencies needed in a rapidly evolving job market.
The initiative operates through an ecosystem anchored on UNICEF’s Youth Agency Marketplace platform and Unilever’s outreach through social media and campus networks. According to officials, this blended approach combining digital learning with physical campus engagement has strengthened outreach and sustained impact. The programme targets young people at universities and polytechnics, providing them with practical insights into future careers and self-employment opportunities.
Unilever Nigeria’s Managing Director highlighted that this strategic partnership reflects a shared mission to build youth capabilities that align with Nigeria’s economic transformation goals. The collaboration involves career seminars, mentorship sessions, and digital skills workshops delivered by trained “Future Career Ambassadors” across campuses nationwide.
According to recent figures, more than 85,000 students have already participated in 30 career-focused seminars under the programme. Participants have gained exposure to digital tools, professional skills, and real-world insights that improve their job readiness and entrepreneurial confidence — essential in a world where digital skills increasingly determine economic opportunities.
By empowering youth with relevant competencies, the partnership not only fosters individual pathways to employment but also strengthens Nigeria’s broader workforce competitiveness. With youth unemployment a key development challenge, initiatives like this help bridge gaps between education and labor market needs, making digital and entrepreneurial skills a sustainable foundation for future growth.