Unilever Nigeria and UNICEF have exceeded expectations in their joint initiative to prepare young Nigerians for the future of work, equipping more than 900,000 students across universities and polytechnics nationwide, surpassing the original target of 700,000. The milestone was announced during a press briefing in Lagos, marking two years into the three-year Future X Unilever Campus Ambassadors Programme (FUCAP).
FUCAP, a strategic collaboration designed to bridge the skills gap among Nigerian youth, will now enter an expanded third year with a focus on livelihoods and economic inclusion. Tobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria, described the programme as a deliberate investment in life and employable skills rather than corporate philanthropy. “These are skills that last a lifetime, from storytelling for brands to entrepreneurship, helping young people build confidence and personal brands,” Adeniyi said.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the programme’s impact extends beyond the classroom, with interns contributing to Unilever’s sales, innovation, and sustainability initiatives. Adeniyi emphasised that with nearly 60% of Nigeria’s population under 30, equipping young Nigerians with knowledge and confidence can transform the nation’s productivity and economic prospects.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Lagos and lead for Generation Unlimited Nigeria, highlighted FUCAP as a partnership platform that unites private sector, government, and development actors to address employment challenges. Bharat Kundra, UNICEF Nigeria’s skills development specialist, outlined the programme’s four delivery pillars: career seminars, skill development, workforce pathways through Unilever internships, and youth-led leadership initiatives. Over 40 FUCAP participants have already transitioned into paid roles at Unilever.
The third-year focus prioritises livelihoods, with particular attention to young women facing additional barriers. Zainab Obagun, Unilever Nigeria’s Head of Corporate Affairs, reaffirmed the programme’s global ambition: to equip 10 million young people with essential employable skills by 2030. FUCAP currently operates in 20 universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, each supported by student campus ambassadors coordinating training and volunteer mobilisation.
The initiative demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration in addressing youth unemployment while fostering practical skills, confidence, and economic opportunity for Nigeria’s next generation.
