United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has teamed up with the Borno State Government to introduce a comprehensive vocational training initiative.
This program targets 1,033 young individuals—567 boys and 466 girls—who have endured the hardships of armed conflict, providing them with essential skills to foster self-reliance and community recovery.
The launch event took place in Maiduguri on Wednesday, where UNICEF’s Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, highlighted the program’s focus on practical, in-demand trades.
Represented by Child Protection Manager Shah Mohammad Khan, Saeed explained that participants will receive training in areas like tailoring, information and communications technology (ICT), automotive repair, footwear production, and woodworking.
These skills are designed to align with local market needs, offering a pathway to employment and economic independence.
The ongoing conflict in the region has not only devastated the broader economy but has also severely impacted family incomes and the aspirations of young people, particularly girls.
Many have been cut off from education and skill-building opportunities, exacerbating cycles of poverty and vulnerability.
The insurgency has led to widespread issues, including child abductions, sexual violence, and other serious rights violations, while stripping communities of their means to sustain themselves.
Currently, the initiative is active in vocational centers across Maiduguri, Bama, Biu, Damboa, and Konduga. Beyond technical training, the program incorporates life skills education, mental health support, and formal certification to ensure graduates are well-prepared for long-term success.
Saeed emphasized that these centers are more than just learning spaces—they represent a restoration of hope, dignity, and prospects for affected youth and their families.
Each year, the program aims to reach over a thousand children, equipping them with tools to secure jobs and contribute to peacebuilding efforts. Graduates are expected to play a key role in the region’s rehabilitation, promoting resilience and stability.
Borno State’s Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Abba Wakilbe, praised UNICEF and partnering UN organizations—such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)—for their crucial support.
He shared poignant stories of participants, like young Bukar Modu, who was abducted at around nine years old and coerced into handling weapons and crafting improvised explosives.
Wakilbe described the program as transformative for survivors of forced recruitment and other traumas, expressing deep gratitude for UNICEF’s assistance during challenging times.
In a related development, on October 4, 2025, UNICEF provided ICT equipment to the Sokoto State Operations Coordinating Unit to enhance social protection efforts, underscoring their ongoing commitment to vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
