UNICEF Applauds Nigerian Students’ Enthusiastic Response to Career Skills Initiative

UNICEF, in partnership with Unilever Nigeria, has praised the enthusiastic participation of Nigerian students in the Future Unilever Campus Ambassadors Programme (FUCAP), a nationwide initiative aimed at equipping youth with essential career and life skills to bridge the gap between education and employment.

As part of a continued push to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Unilever Nigeria Plc have intensified their collaboration through the Future Unilever Campus Ambassadors Programme (FUCAP). This initiative aims to equip Nigerian university and polytechnic students with essential, future-ready skills for success after graduation.

On Tuesday, June 17, the programme held its second training session at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka — one of 20 institutions selected nationwide. Thousands of students across disciplines participated in the one-day seminar focused on career development and personal skill-building.

The initiative targets three million Nigerian youths, with a goal of reaching 700,000 with relevant skills by 2026.

Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office for Southwest Nigeria, praised the programme’s impact so far, noting that over 600,000 young Nigerians have already benefited from training, mentorship, and career development support. She emphasized the importance of helping students transition “from learning to earning,” and highlighted the commitment of UNILAG students to innovation and leadership.

“FUCAP is more than just a skills programme,” Lafoucriere said. “It’s a demonstration of our belief in the talent and resilience of young Nigerians.”

Encouraging students to make the most of every opportunity—whether it be CV clinics, innovation pitches, or internship sessions—she reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to building bridges and opening doors for youth.

UNICEF’s Skills Development Specialist, Mr. Bharat Kundra, stressed the need for students to acquire competencies beyond traditional academics. He cited critical 21st-century skills like communication, teamwork, digital and financial literacy, networking, and emotional resilience as essential for navigating today’s job market.

Kundra explained that although FUCAP currently serves just 20 out of over 200 tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the programme will eventually expand to include more schools.

“Young people must be proactive, seize opportunities, and equip themselves to solve real-world challenges,” he said.

Oreoluwa Dina, Unilever Nigeria’s HR and Employer Brand Project Specialist, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the growing scarcity of paid employment. She explained that Unilever’s involvement is driven by a commitment to preparing young people for both self-employment and corporate careers. Dina also noted that top-performing FUCAP participants could secure internships or jobs with the company.

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by Prof. Foluso Lesi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Development Services, expressed gratitude for the university’s inclusion in the programme. She stressed the need to empower students and faculty with soft skills to effectively address both current and future challenges.

“Our vision is to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also capable of solving real-world problems,” she said.

Some student volunteers under the initiative told Tribune Online that FUCAP had positively influenced their academic journey and broadened their outlook on career possibilities.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, TRIBUNE