Awka, Nigeria
In a significant move to boost research and human capacity development in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has officially launched the Institute of Social Policy.
The launch ceremony, held on 13 May 2025 in Awka, marked the culmination of years of strategic partnership between UNICEF and the university, dating back to 2018. The newly established institute aims to enhance research output, inform evidence-based policymaking, and support the development of responsive social policies across all levels of government in Nigeria.
With both technical and financial backing from UNICEF, the Institute of Social Policy is designed to address persistent knowledge and capacity gaps within the Nigerian public sector, particularly in social planning and child-focused policy development.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Cristian Munduate, highlighted the significance of the initiative during the launch, stating, “This initiative marks a critical step towards building a robust group of professionals who will drive evidence-based policy planning and implementation in Nigeria. Through our partnership with academic institutions, we are establishing a foundation for sustainable social development that emphasises the rights of children and women.”
The institute is set to offer a range of academic and professional programmes, including a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s in Social Policy (MSP), Master of Science (MSc), and a PhD in Social Policy. In addition, it will provide short-term professional courses tailored to the needs of various organisations. These courses will focus on key areas such as poverty measurement and analysis, public financial management, social protection and investment, as well as the design, analysis, and evaluation of social policies.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, expressed optimism about the institute’s potential. “The establishment of the Institute of Social Policy signifies a new chapter in our commitment to research and capacity building in social policy. This partnership with UNICEF will enable us to equip and empower future leaders with the essential skills and knowledge to address intricate social issues, thereby contributing to sustainable development in Nigeria,” he said.
Formally established on 8 May 2024, the Institute of Social Policy underscores UNICEF’s broader goal of building local capacity and fostering academic collaboration in pursuit of child-sensitive, sustainable development outcomes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A group photograph taken at the event captured key stakeholders, university officials, and UNICEF representatives, celebrating what many hailed as a landmark advancement in social policy education and practice in Nigeria.
