UNICEF and Generation Unlimited have hailed Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) for its trailblazing Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP), describing the initiative as a shining example of how education and innovation can unlock the potential of young women with a new goal of partnering with the college to train additional one million girls.
The commendation came during a high-level visit by senior officials of both organisations, who lauded the college’s commitment to serving as a hub for training and empowering girls with life-changing skills in technology and entrepreneurship.
The delegation, led by Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer of Generation Unlimited, New York, also 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.
They were received by the Deputy Rector (Administration), Arc. Femi Lawal, who represented the Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul.
In her welcome address, the GESP Project Coordinator, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, disclosed that the programme is now in its third phase, training the third cohort of girls across four major skill areas: Web Application Development, Mobile Application Development, GSM and Phone Repair, and Computer Repair and Maintenance.
She revealed that startup kits were presented to outstanding graduates from earlier cohorts to enable them establish businesses of their own.
According to her, “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 support of our sponsors, whom we sincerely thank for their steadfast partnership”.
Kevin Frey, CEO of Generation Unlimited, expressed admiration for the energy and creativity of the participants.
In his words, “what we have seen here is nothing short of transformative. 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, Global Partnerships Lead at Generation Unlimited, echoed his sentiments, stressing the broader significance of the initiative.
“Yabatech has set a strong example of how local institutions can deliver global impact. 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,” she remarked.
She lend her staunch support for the additional training of one million girls by the college through GESP as the team is proud of the achievements made by Yabatech.
Also speaking, Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer for Lagos, described the programme as a life-changing platform.
“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,” she said.
Representing the Rector, the Deputy Rector, Administration, Arc. Femi Lawal, commended UNICEF and Generation Unlimited for choosing Yabatech as a partner and training hub for the initiative.
“We are proud that our institution is serving as the platform for this transformative programme as the college has always been a centre for innovation and technical excellence, and we are delighted to see our facilities and expertise being used to empower young women from across the community, Lagos and entire country.
“This partnership reflects our broader commitment to nation-building through education and skills,” he stated.
During the visit, the delegation toured the training facilities and interacted with the beneficiaries, many of whom shared moving testimonies.
They expressed gratitude to Yabatech, UNICEF, and Generation Unlimited, noting that the programme was preparing them to achieve greater heights.
Several of the girls spoke about how the training had given them confidence, skills, and a clear vision to build careers, launch businesses, and support their communities.
