Yaba College of Technology is set to benefit from expanded Canada-UNICEF-backed digital and technical empowerment programmes following a high-level visit by Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, to the institution’s Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) hub.
The visit, carried out in collaboration with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited, focused on evaluating the impact of the Generation Unlimited initiative in Nigeria and exploring opportunities to scale digital empowerment programmes for young Nigerians, especially girls interested in technology, innovation and technical education.
The development is expected to strengthen YABATECH’s growing position as one of Nigeria’s leading technical institutions driving practical digital skills training and female participation in technology-related fields.
Speaking during the visit, the Rector of YABATECH, Ibraheem Abdul, said Nigerian youths possess enormous potential that can only be unlocked through quality technical education, innovation and modern skills acquisition.
According to him, the institution has continued to expand its focus on industry-relevant education capable of producing globally competitive graduates across different sectors.
“The institution, which will mark its 80th anniversary next year, has continued to position itself as a leader in technical and vocational education by equipping students with industry-relevant competencies capable of producing global champions,” Abdul said.
He disclosed that YABATECH currently has more than 36,000 students and has intensified efforts to encourage more female students to pursue careers in ICT, engineering, digital innovation and other technical fields traditionally dominated by men.
“We are working to ensure that these girls emerge as champions even in global skills competitions,” he said.
Abdul noted that the partnership with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited has significantly improved the institution’s ability to provide technical and digital training opportunities for young women.
He also revealed that YABATECH was the first tertiary institution in Nigeria selected as a flagship institution for the programme, a move that has further positioned the school as a strategic hub for youth-focused digital empowerment initiatives.
Randeep Sarai said Canada remains committed to supporting programmes that empower girls with practical skills required to compete in the modern economy and global workforce.
“It is an honour to be here and to witness the Generation Unlimited project,” Sarai said.
“Uplifting girls and giving them the training to face the challenges of the world is one of the most effective ways to empower women and strengthen a country.”
He explained that Canada’s engagement across African countries is being driven by its Africa Strategy, which focuses on supporting Africa’s rapidly growing youth population with access to education, digital training and employment opportunities.
According to him, Nigeria represents a major priority because of its large youth population and growing technology ecosystem.
“Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, and 51 per cent are young girls. We want to ensure they acquire the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the economy and global workforce,” he said.
The Canadian official also commended beneficiaries of the programme for their entrepreneurial mindset and encouraged them to continue building sustainable careers in technology and innovation.
Chief of Field Office at UNICEF Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, described the collaboration as a long-term investment in the future of girls and young women in Nigeria.
She stated that the initiative aligns with UNICEF’s broader mission of supporting young people with opportunities that improve livelihoods, increase economic participation and prepare them for the future of work.
Coordinator of the GESP programme at YABATECH and Director of the Centre for Research Support and Grants Management, Funmilayo Doherty, said the initiative has already exceeded its initial target.
According to her, more than 11,250 young women have already received training in technical and digital skills, including GSM phone repairs, computer maintenance, web application development and mobile application development.
“The programme has already surpassed its target by training over 11,250 young women in gender-responsive technical and digital skills,” Doherty said.
She explained that the programme combines apprenticeship-style practical training with formal academic qualifications under the Nigerian National Skills Qualification Framework.
Doherty added that mentorship has become one of the strongest aspects of the initiative, helping participants build confidence, leadership abilities and entrepreneurial capacity.
“The girls are moving from learning to earning. They are entering male-dominated fields with confidence and becoming role models in their communities,” she said.
She disclosed that several beneficiaries have already launched businesses, secured jobs or returned as trainers and mentors within the programme.
According to her, the GESP hub at YABATECH has now evolved into a safe innovation space where girls continue to access mentorship, internships, entrepreneurial support and career opportunities even after completing the programme.
Doherty also said the institution is committing additional resources towards sustaining and expanding the initiative to reach more girls across Nigeria.
Some beneficiaries have already begun generating income through digital projects, including a trainee who reportedly earned about N150,000 from a FinTech-related web development project, while another now operates a phone repair business after previously hawking goods on the streets of Lagos.
The event also featured demonstrations in computer hardware maintenance and youth-led participatory research projects carried out by programme beneficiaries.
