As part of efforts to produce fit-for-purpose and future-ready graduates by Nigerian universities, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Unilever Nigeria Plc have teamed up to contribute towards the actualisation of the goal in Nigeria.
To this end, the two organisations were at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, on July 4 to organise a one-day career and self- skills development programme for the students of the institution.
The programme had thousands of students from across disciplines in attendance. UNILAG was said to be one of 20 universities in the country selected for the training, tagged: “Future Unilever Campus Ambassador Programme (FUCAP).”
Three million youths are the target but about 700,000 of them are expected to have been adequately equipped with the skills in focus for the project by 2026.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on the sideline at the event, programme specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, Mr Bharat Kundra, highlighted why youths must have to possess skills beyond what formal education can offer them.
According to him, the world is changing and so also the knowledge and skills needed for people to remain relevant and competitive in the emerging market.
He said UNICEF Nigeria is doing all it could through various programmes to equip youths with requisite knowledge and skills that will enhance their formal education and expose them to opportunities in the world of work, now and in the future.
He said one of such initiatives is the partnership with the Nigeria Unilever on FUCAP with focus on students in campuses.
He explained that FUCAP is designed to reach three million youths and equip about 700, 000 of them with the 21st Century skills that will make them becoming most sought for in local and global markets.
He listed those skills to include but not limited to effective communication, collaboration and team work, critical thinking, digital and financial literacy, and resilience.
He urged youths to acquire those skills, and take initiatives, explore opportunities, share ideas and be optimistic; adding that doing so would enable them to have a secure future.
On her part, the People Partner, Unilever Nigeria and FUCAP Project Lead, Zainab Ajadi, also stressed the importance of youths acquiring those skills to thrive in the workplace and be self-sustaining in their respective endeavours.
She noted that Unilever Nigeria is passionate and committed to helping young people reach their full potential and contributing to the development of the country, hence the company partnering UNICEF which has similar goals in that regard.
In her own remarks, the deputy vice chancellor (Development Services), UNILAG, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, acknowledged the need for youths to be well-equipped with knowledge and skills that would make them societal relevant even while still in school.
She said that was why UNILAG takes entrepreneurship and innovation programmes very seriously for all its students ahead of graduation.
She commended UNICEF and Unilever Nigeria for coming up with FUCAP and also for making UNILAG students part of beneficiaries.
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