The Future Unilever Campus Ambassadors Programme (FUCAP) has made significant strides in empowering young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the job market.

In its third year, the programme has impacted over 600,000 students across 20 universities and polytechnics in Nigeria. The programme’s success stories are a testament to its effectiveness in equipping young Nigerians with the skills required to succeed in the workforce.

Many students who have benefited from the programme have gone on to secure internships and jobs with top companies, while others have developed innovative solutions to real-world problems.

In its bid to address youth unemployment in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in conjunction with the Unilever Nigeria Plc have stepped up actions geared towards the production of future-ready graduates by Nigerian universities and polytechnics.

They were at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, last Tuesday, for a one-day career and self-skills development programme.UNILAG is one of the 20 universities and polytechnics in the country selected for the training, and Tuesday’s event was the second edition organised for the students of the institution.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office for south west Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, expressed delight at the progress achieved through the programme.

She emphasised that FUCAP is not just about skills, but also about believing in the talent, resilience, and leadership of young Nigerians.

“Whether you are stepping into a CV clinic, pitching a WASH innovation idea, or exploring internship pathways, know that it’s about you unlocking the next chapter of your story.”

UNICEF’s Skill Development specialist, Mr. Bharat Kundra, highlighted the importance of youths possessing skills beyond formal education in today’s changing world.

According to him, the world is evolving, and the knowledge and skills required to remain relevant and competitive in the emerging market are also changing.

“We are doing all we can through various youth-focused programmes to equip them with knowledge and skills that will enhance their formal education and expose them to opportunities in the world of work, now and in the future.”

The Human Resources and Employer Brand Project specialist, Unilever Nigeria, Oreoluwa Dina, stressed the importance of youths acquiring 21st century skills to thrive in the workplace and be self-sustaining in their respective endeavours.

According to her, Unilever recognises that paid job opportunities have substantially dwindled, hence the company’s partnership with UNICEF to expose young ones to skills and knowledge that will help them transition smoothly from school to workplaces.

“FUCAP is designed to enable participants gain insights into 21st century skills needed for both local and global job markets. Participants who demonstrate most of the skills in focus have opportunities to get jobs or do internship programmers with the company,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Afolabi Lesi, commended the organisers for choosing UNILAG as one of the beneficiary institutions.

She noted that the university’s agenda is to produce future-ready graduates and that the impact of the programme would go beyond participants. He said: “The agenda of the university, apart from carrying out cutting-edge research activities and community engagements is to produce future-ready graduates. We can’t be talking about addressing problems of now and the future without empowering the young ones-our students- and also the faculty members with soft skills needed to successfully navigate the challenges.”

The students who benefited from the programme expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that the training and exposure would deeply enhance their studies.

As the programme continues to grow and expand, it is expected to make an even greater impact on the lives of young Nigerians and the country’s economy.

The partnership between UNICEF and Unilever Nigeria is a shining example of how organisations can work together to address pressing social issues. By leveraging their expertise and resources, they are making a significant difference in the lives of young Nigerians and contributing to the country’s future prosperity.