UNICEF Equips 100,000 Borno Youths with Skills for Livelihoods

The United Nations Children’s Fund has announced it equipped approximately 100,000 young people in Borno State with digital and vocational skills in 2025. The disclosure was made during an event in Maiduguri commemorating the 2026 International Day of Education.

Francis Butichi, UNICEF Chief of the Maiduguri Field Office, stated that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s goal of helping youths transition from learning to earning. The beneficiaries included graduates, undergraduates, and other young people across the state.

Butichi highlighted a partnership with the University of Maiduguri through which young people serve as educators in non-formal learning centres. This approach helps out-of-school children return to learning while providing the youth educators with practical experience and skills.

Through vocational programs in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Education, over 4,600 youths in Bama, Dikwa, Monguno, and Maiduguri received starter packs to turn their skills into sustainable livelihoods.

“Overall, approximately 100,000 young people were equipped with diverse skills in 2025 across Borno State,” Butichi confirmed.

He added that UNICEF is also supporting digital skill acquisition through platforms like the Nigeria Passport Learning Initiative, alongside promoting youth leadership via technology-driven spelling bees and mathematics quizzes.

Speaking on this year’s education theme, “The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education,” Butichi emphasized that education is most effective when young people are active partners and leaders in the process. He urged youths to take responsibility for shaping inclusive and innovative education systems.