Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund to train 5,000 adolescent girls and young women in ICT-related skills, aiming to provide them with more secure livelihoods.

The initiative also involves the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Generation Unlimited.

At the unveiling of the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership Program, Yabatech’s Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, emphasised the initiative’s commitment to empowering young women with the education and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

 He stated, “We will train 1,750 primary beneficiaries aged 13-24 years in four ICT skills: Computer Hardware Repair, Mobile Phone Repair, Website Development, and Mobile Application Development. Our vision is to equip girls with essential life skills, technical training, and leadership opportunities, enabling them to pursue their dreams and ambitions. By collaborating with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners, we aim to create a holistic framework that addresses the diverse needs of our participants.”

Abdul also said key components of the program, include the capacity development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions. “The program will enhance these institutions’ ability to provide market-relevant skills to girls using gender-responsive pedagogies,” he added.

Also addressing the event, wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Anike Adekanye, Permanent Secretary of Education Districts 2 and 5, stressed that the initiative would enable the girls to acquire valuable technical skills and better participate in the global digital economy.

Sanwo-Olu noted, “With focus areas such as GSM and mobile phone repairs, computer hardware maintenance, mobile application development, and web application development, the program addresses current job market needs while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to provide high-quality, market-relevant skills to over 5,000 young women aged 13 to 24 in Lagos State. Traditionally dominated by men, these skill areas will now enable young women to compete favorably with their male counterparts.”

She added, “Our office recognises the critical importance of equipping both young women and men with the skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving world, which is why we have prioritised skills acquisition for Lagos State residents to promote self-reliance.”