From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations (UN) have committed $1 billion investment in Nigeria over the next five years as part of urgent action to address the multiple crises facing Nigerian adolescents.
Chief of Health for UNICEF Nigeria, Eduardo Celades, made the disclosure in his address at a stakeholders’ forum on Adolescent and Youths Health Policies in Africa, with the theme: “Fostering International Partnerships to Contribute to Adolescents’ and Youths’ Health in Nigeria,” organised by the University of Ibadan Research Foundation (UI Research Foundation), at the Trenchard Hall of the university on Monday.
He highlighted the wide-ranging challenges that young people face, including substance abuse, insecurity, mental health issues, malnutrition, and climate change.
Celades revealed that one in 10 girls in Nigeria is expected to become a mother before the age of 18, with a significant impact in the North Central and North West regions of the country.
He also expressed concern over educational disparities, stating that half of adolescent girls are unlikely to complete secondary school and that 43 per cent are already married, often to older partners, limiting their decision-making autonomy.
According to him, in response to the crises, UNICEF and the United Nations have committed a one-billion-dollar investment in Nigeria over the next five years, emphasising the importance of empowering young people and addressing mental health concerns, which affect 10 per cent of the youth population. He also mentioned working with university students on innovative approaches to enhance vaccine coverage.
“We are facing a massive crisis affecting our adolescent population. One in 10 girls in Nigeria is projected to become a mother before the age of 18, with a disproportionate impact in the North Central and North West regions, where 50 per cent of young girls, particularly in states like Bauchi and Gombe, are expected to have a child by the age of 18.
“Half of adolescent girls are unlikely to complete secondary school, and a staggering 43 per cent are already married. Of these, a significant portion has partners older than them, impacting their decision-making autonomy.
“In our analysis of the next five years’ strategy, adolescent issues were only mentioned 14 times in nearly 100 pages. This oversight has prompted a re-evaluation, and UNICEF, along with the UN, has committed a one-billion-dollar investment in Nigeria over the next five years.
“In collaboration with university students, we are working on innovative approaches to enhance vaccine coverage. We believe by empowering young people, we can drive meaningful results. Additionally, addressing mental health concerns among the youths, affecting 10 per cent, is a priority in our agenda,” he said.
Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Kayode Adebowale, echoed the call for attention and resources to be directed towards the health and well-being of adolescents. He said this stage of life is critical for individuals as they navigate the complex path from childhood to adulthood.
Adebowale noted the impact that health and approaches during this stage could have on the potential and contributions of young people to national development.
Chairman of the Board of UI-Research Foundation, Chevalier Uduimo, said the aim of the programme was to contribute to sustainable national policy options that support the health of adolescents and youths.
He listed the need for comprehensive and sustainable approaches to address the healthcare challenges being faced by young people, particularly in cases involving mental health.
Uduimo expressed concern that many young individuals lack access to healthcare services and that even when available, these services may be inaccessible due to embarrassment, shame, or financial constraints, putting young people at risk.