Yabatech Secures N1.5 Billion Grant to Boost Girls’ Education and Skills Through GESP Initiative

Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) has been awarded a N1.5 billion grant for the Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP), a significant achievement announced by the institution’s communications team. The grant was secured through a proposal by a team of researchers from Yabatech, including Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Engr. Adebayo Adebari, Mr. Amos Alade, Dr. Olusola Dada, and Dr. Idowu Aneyo from the University of Lagos. The proposal was selected by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), highlighting Yabatech’s commitment to education and skill development.

The GESP initiative, funded by FCDO and managed by UNICEF in collaboration with leading businesses, aims to empower adolescent girls and young women aged 13-24 by enhancing their access to skills and economic opportunities. The project focuses on promoting equality and access to learning and livelihood opportunities in Bangladesh, Nigeria, and India. In Lagos State, Nigeria, 5,250 girls will receive training in computer skills such as GSM and mobile phone repairs, computer hardware maintenance, mobile applications development, and web application development over two years.

The project will also involve collaboration with the International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP) UK, utilizing its methodology for incorporating gender-responsive pedagogy into skills development. This initiative reflects Yabatech’s role in fostering entrepreneurship, employability, and further education opportunities for young women.