The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in partnership with CWAY Group, has launched an initiative aimed at improving adolescent well-being and education in Nigeria, marked by the signing of a strategic collaboration between UNESCO and CWAY Group.
The initiative, titled “Strengthening Adolescent Health and Inclusive Learning,” targets Enugu State, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos State, and Ogun State, with a projected reach of over one million learners.
Speaking at the official signing ceremony, the Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO in Nigeria, Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, described the project as a transformative step towards improving the lives of young people.
“Today is more than a signing. It reflects a shared vision, careful planning, and strong commitment. We are shaping a healthier, more inclusive, and more educated future for Nigeria’s adolescents. It is a shared promise—to expand opportunity, protect dignity, and improve the future of adolescents across these states. Inclusion is not optional; it is essential,” he said.
Dr Abiaga also highlighted the strong connection between education and health outcomes.
“Healthy adolescents learn better, and educated adolescents make informed, confident decisions about their health and future. Every adolescent regardless of gender, ability, or background deserves access to quality education and the health information they need to succeed. The project seeks to address both areas simultaneously,” he highlighted.
The UNESCO representative further underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable impact. According to him, the initiative will deliver evidence-based interventions designed to promote adolescent well-being, strengthen inclusive education systems, and expand access to accurate health information.
“Partnership is the engine of lasting change. This collaboration with CWAY demonstrates how the private sector can lead with purpose investing not just in a project but in Nigeria’s future. This collaboration demonstrates how the private sector can lead with purpose investing not just in a project but in Nigeria’s future,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to remain committed throughout the implementation phase.
“Together, we can create environments where every adolescent can learn, stay healthy, and reach their full potential,” Abiaga said, reaffirming UNESCO’s commitment to advancing education in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4.
On his part, the Deputy Director of CWAY Group, Moses Wang, expressed gratitude for the partnership and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to community development.
“We started from the community, and we are returning to the community. This initiative allows us to elevate our corporate social responsibility to a national scale,” he said.
Mr Wang noted that CWAY, with over two decades of operations in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, is expanding its CSR focus on education and health.
“Education is key to national development, and health is equally critical. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen both areas and create a lasting impact,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of the Nigerian government and stakeholders present at the event, describing the partnership as a “great start” that will extend beyond the EFLO states in the future.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, Olagunju Lateef, emphasised the importance of collective action.
“Today’s signing goes beyond ceremony; it reflects our shared commitment to investing in the well-being, education, and future of every adolescent,” she said.
Dr Lateef, represented by the Head of Education Sector, Eunice Ayara, expressed confidence that the initiative would deliver measurable outcomes, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.
“We are optimistic that this partnership will equip young people with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed,” she added.