UNICEF, Generation Unlimited Commend YABATECH’s GESP Initiative, Pledge Support to Train 1m Girls

Funmi Ogundare

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Generation Unlimited, yesterday, commended Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) for pioneering Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP), describing it as a model of how education and innovation can unlock the potential of young women.

Both organisations also pledged to partner the college to scale the programme to reach an additional one million girls.

The commendation came during a high-level visit to the institution by senior officials, led by Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer of Generation Unlimited, New York. Others in the delegation included Iliana Albino, Global Partnerships Lead at Generation Unlimited; Vanessa Lee, Chief of Education, UNICEF Nigeria; and Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer and Lead, GenU 9JA.

The team was received by Deputy Rector (Administration), YABATECH, Mr. Femi Lawal, who represented Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul.

In her remarks, GESP Project Coordinator, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, explained that the programme was now in its third phase, training its third cohort of girls across four skill areas, including web application development, mobile application development, GSM and phone repair, and computer repair and maintenance.

Doherty added that start-up kits had been presented to outstanding graduates from earlier cohorts to support them in launching their businesses.

“We are not only training these young women but also equipping them with the tools to stand on their own. This would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our sponsors,” she said.

Speaking during the visit, Kevin Frey described the initiative as transformative, commending the resilience and creativity of the participants.

Frey stated, “These young women are not just learners; they are innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the making. Their resilience shows that investing in girls is one of the smartest investments any society can make.”

Iliana Albino reinforced the message, stating that YABATECH’s efforts exemplify how local institutions can deliver global impact.

She said, “By equipping girls with skills that open doors, you are not only changing individual lives but also contributing to stronger economies and more inclusive societies. We strongly support the additional training of one million girls through GESP.”

Also speaking, UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer for Lagos, Celine Lafoucriere, described the programme as life-changing.

Lafoucriere said, “The testimonies we have heard today are powerful. These girls are charting bold new paths because someone believed in them. UNICEF is proud to be part of this journey, and we are committed to seeing more young women benefit from opportunities like this.”

On his part, Mr. Femi Lawal commended UNICEF and Generation Unlimited for selecting YABATECH as a training hub.

Lawal said, “Our institution has always been a centre for innovation and technical excellence. This partnership reflects our commitment to nation-building through education and skills development.”

The delegation later toured the training facilities and interacted with beneficiaries; many of whom shared moving testimonies of how the programme had given them confidence, career direction, and the ability to contribute to their communities.