By Gabriel Dike
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) and United Nation’s Children Fund the (UNICEF) have called on stakeholders to join in their quest to promote girl-child education in the country through the provision of different skills.
The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul and UNICEF Education Specialist, Babagana Aminu stated this at the launch of Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP), which would provide an opportunity for 5,250 girls to acquire different skills.
Abdul said the initiative is a testament to the college unwavering commitment to empowering young women and equipping them with education and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“Today marks a significant milestone, not only for our institution but for the girls and young women within our community. Education is a powerful catalyst for change, and when we invest in the education of girls, we are investing in the future of families, communities, and nations. Empowered girls are more likely to become confident leaders, innovators, and change makers,” he noted.
He urged educators, industry leaders, and community members to join the college in the initiative to help the girl-child to acquire the necessary skills to enhance their potentials in the labour market.
His words: “Let us work together to create a society where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Let us create more opportunities for learning, lets increase the access to education, learning and skills development for the youths beside the formal full-time studies.”
In her remarks, GESP Project Coordinator, Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, said the launch marks a milestone in the collective journey towards empowering young women and girls through education and skills development.
Doherty hoped the initiative would lead to brighter futures for countless girls and, ultimately, for the nation.
“We are launching more than just a program; but also a powerful initiative that will see 5,250 girls and young women trained in ICT skills that are critical to Nigeria’s future.
“It will ensure that educators and master crafts people are equipped with the tools they need to create inclusive, supportive learning environments. Ultimately, this initiative will contribute to the transformation of our economy and the upliftment of our communities, she added.
In her address at the launch of GESP, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the project as a groundbreaking initiative that opens door of opportunity for girls and young women across Lagos State.
According to her, the GESP aligns with the policy direction of her office and it shared commitment to empowering young women, creating pathways to economic independence, and ensuring their success.
“I have been informed that the GESP initiative, supported by UNICEFs Generation Unlimited, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and businesses, is designed to provide high-quality, market-relevant skills to over 5,000 young women between the ages of 13 and 24 in Lagos State.”
The first lady said through the initiative, girls would not only acquire technical skills but also be better positioned to participate in the global digital economy.
In his presentation, UNICEF Education Specialist, Babagana Aminu, said the project is meant to build the capacity of women in ICT and digital skills as 21st professionals.
Aminu disclosed that the target is 45,000 girls to equip them with different skills in Lagos State and Kano State while the cost of the initiative he put at $3.4million.
He appealed to the Lagos State government to support YABATECH to increase beneficiaries of the project and announced that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) would accredit the courses as well as ensure standard.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said the initiative underscores the state unwavering commitment to empowering young women through education and skill acquisition, which are pillars for building the future.
She said with the launch of GESP, YABATECH and its partners are paving the way for innovation, inclusion, and inspiration, noting, “through this initiative, we will equip our young women with not only academic knowledge but practical skills that ensures their resilience in an ever changing World.”
In his goodwill message, Deputy British Higher Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter described UK as a long time partner with Nigeria in education and that over eight girls have been supported with different skills.
Baxter explained that YABATECH and other institutions as partners have provided training to over 70,000 women in the area of digital skills.