By: Theresa Moses
In a bid to empower Nigerian youths with the skills required to succeed in the modern workplace, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria and Unilever Nigeria have organised a Future-X Campus Ambassadors Program (FUCAP) campus career seminar.
The event was held at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos on July 4, 2024, and drew a large population of students and faculty members within the university community and its environs.
It was a joint initiative aimed at reaching 3 million Nigerian youths and would equip 700,000 between the ages of 16 and 24 with essential skills for the future workplace by 2026.
In his keynote address at the ceremony, a Program Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria – Generation Unlimited (GenU 9ja), Bharat Kundra disclosed that the organisation is committed to supporting young people, emphasising that “we discovered that a lot of young people, when they turn 18, are so inquisitive, asking numerous questions from UNICEF and all our partners as well”.
In a conversation with our correspondent, Bharat Kundra further explained that “our goal is aimed at reaching 3 million Nigerian youths and equipping 700’000 of them with the essential skills for future workplace by 2026. As a result, when we invest in young people, we also invest in the future of the country. Therefore, we want to help them in their journey from being students to becoming working professionals,” he reiterated.
UNICEF, as a global organisation, has been working for children’s rights for over 80 years.
Kundra further stated that “We’ve been supporting young people like you, and we discovered that many of you need career guidance, job market skills, and entrepreneurial support. We are stepping in because there’s a gap between learning and working. There are so many opportunities, like scholarships, job opportunities, internships, entrepreneurship support, and volunteering.
On her part, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Service) of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, welcomed the initiative in her opening remarks, stating that “we are preparing our students for the workplace, which is why we appreciated this initiative.
“Students are really lucky to know that we are with you. The reason we’re doing this is to leverage every resource that is available to make sure that you realise your potential.”
On his part, Godfrey Adejumoh, Head, Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Business, Unilever Nigeria, emphasised in his response the company’s commitment to empowering young people, adding that “our objective is to help people’s transition from learning to wanting to work, and we want to empower them with skills and opportunities.”
Also speaking, Zainab Ajadi, People Partner, and FUCAP Project Lead, Unilever Nigeria, explained the rationale behind the initiative. “We decided that it was critical that people that come into the workplace actually acquire the essential skills needed to thrive in that environment.”
Responding to the initiative, a 300-level Mass Communication student, Ojo Grace, expressed her gratitude, stating that she has gained so much knowledge about the importance of digital transformation, effective communication, and entrepreneurial skills.
In the same vein, Balogun Abubakri, a 200-level Business Education student, said he has benefited from the discussion on employee relations, conflict management, and performance management.
The FUCAP program is a laudable initiative aimed at bridging the gap between learning and working and equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills, with UNICEF and Unilever investing in the future of the country.
Essentially, the seminar provided a platform for students to learn from industry experts and gain practical advice on how to succeed in their various careers.
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