YABATECH Don Joins FG-UNICEF Reference Group for 2028-2032 Country Programme

Funmi Ogundare 

The Director, Research Support and Grants Management, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, has been nominated to the Reference Group for the Federal Government – UNICEF Country Programme Development (2028-2032), in a move that underscores the institution’s growing national relevance in policy engagement and development discourse.

The reference group serves as an advisory and validation platform for the joint programme between the federal government of Nigeria and UNICEF Nigeria. It is expected to ensure that the 2028-2032 country programme reflects the perspectives of government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, academia, youth groups and UNICEF across programme implementation and operational frameworks.

The Federal Government-UNICEF country programme (2028-2032) is expected to provide a strategic framework for advancing child rights, education, health, social protection and youth development initiatives across Nigeria over the next five years.

Doherty, who represents YABATECH and the country in the strategic national assignment, was described by the institution as a dynamic and multi-talented academic with a strong commitment to inclusive development and evidence-based engagement.

Reacting to her nomination, she thanked the rector and management of the college, as well as UNICEF Nigeria, for the confidence reposed in her.

“I am deeply honoured by this nomination and grateful for the trust placed in me. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the development of a responsive, inclusive and forward-looking country programme for 2028–2032 that truly addresses the needs of children and young people across Nigeria,” she said.

The Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, described the nomination as a significant milestone for the institution and a recognition of its intellectual capital and commitment to national development.

According to him, the college’s inclusion in the FG-UNICEF Reference Group further affirms the strategic role of tertiary institutions in shaping public policy and development frameworks.

“This nomination is not only a personal achievement for Dr. Doherty, but also a proud moment for Yaba College of Technology. It demonstrates the confidence that national and international development partners have in the quality of expertise within our institution,” the rector said.

He added that the college remains committed to contributing to evidence-based policy formulation, youth empowerment and sustainable national growth through research, innovation and strategic partnerships.

“We believe that academia must be at the forefront of national conversations on development. Our participation in the FG-UNICEF Country Programme process aligns with our vision of producing knowledge that impacts society and strengthens institutions,” Abdul stated.