The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) to launch the Institute of Social Policy.
The new institute aims to strengthen research, provide evidence-based policy solutions, and develop the skills of individuals and government institutions at the federal, state, and local levels across Nigeria.
UNICEF Country Representative, Ms Cristian Munduate, said the Social Policy Programme was created with technical and financial support from UNICEF to address knowledge and capacity gaps identified since 2018 through their partnership.
She revealed that more similar institutes will be established in other academic institutions across the country.
Munduate explained that the institute aligns with UNICEF’s goal to support government frameworks and empower stakeholders to protect child rights and advance sustainable development in Nigeria.
The institute will offer postgraduate programmes, including a Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s degrees in Social Policy, and PhD programmes.
It will also provide short courses tailored for organisations, covering areas like poverty analysis, public financial management, social protection, and social policy design.
The Director of the institute, Professor Uche Nwogwugwu, stated that the university has created an enabling environment for students and that the institute will focus on research to address real social problems in Nigeria.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of Unizik, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, welcomed the launch, noting that this partnership with UNICEF will equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle complex social challenges and contribute to sustainable growth in the country.
The Institute of Social Policy is expected to become a key centre for research and capacity building, supporting Nigeria’s social development efforts for years to come.
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