UNESCO, CWAY Launch Major Initiative to Boost Adolescent Health, Inclusive Education for 1 Million Nigerians
In a major step toward advancing youth development in Nigeria, UNESCO has partnered with CWAY Group to implement a nationwide programme aimed at improving adolescent health and expanding inclusive education.
The initiative, titled “Strengthening Adolescent Health and Inclusive Learning,” will be rolled out across Enugu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, and Ogun States, targeting more than one million learners.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, UNESCO’s Head of Office and Country Representative, Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, described the agreement as a transformative commitment to young people’s future.
“This is more than a formal agreement—it is a pledge to expand opportunity, protect dignity, and secure better outcomes for adolescents,” he said.
Abiaga highlighted three key pillars driving the initiative: stronger inclusion, integration of health and education, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders. He stressed that equitable access must remain central to the programme’s success.
“Inclusion is not optional. Every adolescent—regardless of gender, ability, or background—deserves access to quality education and essential health knowledge,” he added.
He also underscored the link between health and learning, noting that the programme will deploy evidence-based strategies to address both areas simultaneously, enabling young people to make informed life decisions and contribute meaningfully to society.
Representing CWAY, Deputy Director Moses Wang said the partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to community development.
“We began with the community, and this initiative brings us back to our roots on a much larger scale. It is an opportunity to create meaningful change nationwide,” he said.
Wang noted that after over two decades in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, the company is strengthening its focus on education and health as critical drivers of sustainable development.
Also speaking, Secretary-General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, Olagunju Lateef—represented by Eunice Ayara—described the initiative as a demonstration of shared responsibility in investing in Nigeria’s youth.
She expressed confidence that the programme would deliver meaningful impact, particularly for marginalized groups, including at least 1,000 learners with disabilities who are expected to benefit directly.
The initiative aims to strengthen inclusive education systems, expand access to reliable health information, and deepen collaboration among government agencies, educators, and local communities.
As implementation begins, stakeholders have been urged to uphold transparency, accountability, and long-term commitment to ensure measurable and lasting impact.
With its scale and ambition, the UNESCO–CWAY partnership signals a renewed focus on adolescent well-being in Nigeria—bridging gaps in education and health while fostering a more inclusive future for the next generation.
