20m Nigerian youths to access free online education

More than 20 million young Nigerians will be empowered by 2030 through the newly launched Generation Unlimited (GenU) initiative which provides free access to online education and digital resources.

Airtel Nigeria and the United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF), which joined to launch the initiative, said the multi-sector partnership would empower millions of youths aged 10 to 24years with education, skills acquisition, employment and entrepreneurship while leveraging access to digital platforms.

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Speaking during the formal launch of the initiative in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, said the initiative aligns with the telco’s philosophy of connecting, empowering and helping young Nigerians to become more productive and empowered to solve some of the most pressing problems affecting the country.

“At Airtel, we believe that leveraging on technology, digital platforms, mobile broadband and innovation can make a huge difference in creating both access and opportunities for youth even among those in the remotest and hard-to-reach locations in the country,” Ogunsanya, who was represented by Vice President, Corporate communications  & CSR Airtel Nigeria; Emeka Oparah, said.

Ogunsanya pledged that Airtel will support the GenU initiative by providing connectivity and access to the Internet for every school and learner by zero-rating data cost just as it will offer internship opportunities to participants as well as provide awards to some of the beneficiaries at the end of the training.

Also speaking about the online education initiative at the event, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, commended Airtel, the UNICEF and other stakeholders for backing theinitiative with a clear deliverable of providing education, skills training, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for 20 million Nigerians in 10 years.

Chief Executive Officer, GenU, Mr. Kevin Frey, said the initiative is aimed at urgently supporting expanded education, training and employment opportunities for young people on an unprecedented scale.