Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have called for stakeholder support to enhance girl-child education through skill development. This appeal was made during the launch of the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP), which aims to provide vocational training to 5,250 girls.
Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector of YABATECH, and Babagana Aminu, UNICEF’s Education Specialist, emphasized the importance of the initiative. Dr. Abdul highlighted that this program reflects the college’s dedication to empowering young women with the education and skills needed for success in today’s world.
“This initiative represents a significant milestone for both our institution and the girls we aim to support,” Abdul said. “Education is a key driver of change, and investing in girls’ education benefits families, communities, and nations. Educated girls are more likely to become confident leaders and innovators.”
Dr. Abdul encouraged educators, industry leaders, and community members to support the initiative, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to create opportunities for girls to learn and succeed.
“We must work together to build a society where every girl has access to education and skill development beyond traditional studies,” he added.
Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, GESP Project Coordinator, described the launch as a pivotal moment in advancing education and skills for young women and girls. She expressed hope that the program would pave the way for brighter futures.
“We are not just launching a program, but a significant initiative to train 5,250 girls in critical ICT skills,” Doherty said. “This will help create inclusive learning environments and contribute to the economic and social upliftment of our communities.”
Lagos State’s First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, hailed the project as a groundbreaking opportunity for girls and young women. She noted that the GESP aligns with her office’s goals of empowering women, fostering economic independence, and ensuring success.
“The GESP, supported by UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and various businesses, will provide market-relevant skills to over 5,000 young women aged 13 to 24 in Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This initiative will help girls acquire technical skills and better engage in the global digital economy.”
UNICEF Education Specialist Babagana Aminu explained that the project aims to build ICT and digital skills among women, with a target of reaching 45,000 girls in Lagos and Kano States. The initiative is budgeted at $3.4 million. Aminu also called on the Lagos State government to support YABATECH in expanding the program’s reach and announced that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will accredit the courses to ensure quality.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, praised the initiative for its role in empowering young women through education and skills training. She emphasized that GESP will provide both academic and practical skills, preparing young women for resilience in a changing world.
In a goodwill message, Deputy British High Commissioner Jonny Baxter highlighted the UK’s longstanding partnership with Nigeria in education. He noted that over 70,000 women have been trained in digital skills through similar programs, underscoring the UK’s commitment to supporting educational development in Nigeria.