UNICEF and University of Nigeria Nsukka Launch Institute of Social Policy to Strengthen Policy Capacity in Nigeria

Enugu, Nigeria, 06 May 2024 – In a significant step towards enhancing policy expertise for the betterment of Nigerian society, the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has inaugurated the Institute of Social Policy in collaboration with UNICEF. This milestone initiative, officially launched on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, aims to equip young professionals with the necessary skills to engage in policy dialogues, advocacy efforts, and effective program implementation across all levels in Nigeria.

The establishment of the Institute of Social Policy underscores UNICEF's commitment to creating partnerships with academic institutions to strengthen knowledge in critical sectors vital for the advancement of the rights of women and children, as well as national development.

Speaking on the significance of the institute, Prof. Okey Ikenayibe, Director of the Institute of Social Policy at UNN, emphasized the importance of expertise in shaping social policies and programs. “Many social policies of various administrations have failed due to lack of expertise by people handling it. Everybody thought it to be an all-comers affair, but expertise is needed, that is one of importance of this institute. To train and build capacity on social policies and programmes especially its planning, implementation, and monitoring” Prof. Ikenayibe stated.

The Institute of Social Policy, approved at the 416th Meeting of the UNN Senate held in October 2023, is poised to offer a range of postgraduate programs, including Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Social Policy (MSP), Master of Science (MSc) in Social Policy, Doctorate degrees in Social Policy, and various short courses.

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative, Nigeria, highlighted the transformative potential of the institute: "The launch of the Institute of Social Policy marks a significant stride towards building a cadre of professionals equipped to drive change and sustainable development in Nigeria. By strengthening capacities in policy formulation and implementation, we are paving the way for a brighter future for children and women across the nation."

The Institute of Social Policy is poised to serve as a vital knowledge hub, supporting the training and capacity building of government institutions, individuals, and other stakeholders on national and global policy frameworks aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, the institute will provide strategic support for the training of a critical mass of national professionals in social policy, thereby enhancing policy dialogues, development, implementation, and monitoring processes.

Furthermore, the institute will foster focused and sustained collaboration with diverse partners, including academia, to leverage their human resource base and convening power towards realizing the rights of children and women in Nigeria—an area of paramount importance for UNICEF's work. Through these concerted efforts, the Institute of Social Policy aims to contribute significantly to the holistic development of Nigeria and the well-being of its population.

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For more information, please contact:
Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe,
Communication Officer, UNICEF Nigeria
Email: [email protected], Phone: +234 803 535 1254