Yabatech Girls’ Skills Programme Wins Global Praise, Targets Training of One Million Girl-Child Beneficiaries

UNICEF and Generation Unlimited have commended Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) for its pioneering Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP), describing it as a global model for unlocking the potential of young women through education, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The organisations also pledged support for the college’s new target of training an additional one million girls.

The commendation came during a high-level visit by senior officials of both organisations. The delegation was led by Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer of Generation Unlimited, New York, alongside 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, on behalf of the Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul.

In her welcome address, the GESP Project Coordinator, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, highlighted that the programme has entered its third phase, currently training the third cohort of girls across four skill areas: Web Application Development, Mobile Application Development, GSM and Phone Repair, and Computer Repair and Maintenance. She disclosed that outstanding graduates from earlier cohorts had received startup kits to enable them to establish their own 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 support of our sponsors, whom we sincerely thank for their steadfast partnership,” Dr. Doherty said.

Kevin Frey expressed admiration for the resilience and creativity of the trainees. “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,” he stated.

Echoing his remarks, Iliana Albino emphasized the broader global impact of Yabatech’s efforts. “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.

Celine Lafoucriere 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, Arc. Femi Lawal commended UNICEF and Generation Unlimited for partnering with Yabatech. “We are proud that our institution is serving as the platform for this transformative programme. 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 Lagos and the entire country. This partnership reflects our broader commitment to nation-building through education and skills,” he said.

During the visit, the delegation toured the training facilities and interacted with beneficiaries, who shared moving testimonies of how the initiative has given them confidence, skills, and clear visions to build careers, launch businesses, and contribute to their communities. Many expressed deep gratitude to Yabatech, UNICEF, and Generation Unlimited for creating opportunities that are reshaping their lives and futures.