The skills gap in Nigeria is contributing to high unemployment rates, with many graduates lacking requisite skills for available jobs. Recent reports reveal that substantial numbers of job seekers are unqualified, prompting companies to seek foreign talent. Reforming the education system and enhancing industry partnerships are crucial to address these disparities and improve job readiness.
In recent months, a manufacturing company in Lagos faced difficulty in hiring two chemical ecologists, resorting to importing skills from India after an exhaustive six-month search. This situation highlights a crucial issue in Nigeria, where many job seekers lack the skills necessary for industry requirements. The 2025 Lagos Economic Development Update reveals a paradox: there are more job vacancies than qualified candidates, with over 800 job seekers lacking essential education and experience.
The National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria’s unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2024, a significant decrease from 33.3 percent in 2021. However, experts indicate that underemployment and informal work conceal the true state of joblessness, with the World Bank estimating that 23 million Nigerians were unemployed or underemployed in 2023. Compounding this issue, a Jobberman Foundation report disclosed that six out of ten graduates possess inadequate skills for available positions.
Many industries, especially technology and renewable energy, are struggling to find competent professionals. As a result, companies frequently recruit from abroad or invest heavily in staff training, thereby exacerbating the skills gap. Michael Olaniyi, a 28-year-old Business Administration graduate, illustrates this dilemma, noting his frustration after applying for over 200 jobs without success, often due to lack of experience or technical skills.
The disparity between education and market needs remains a concern, with Nigeria’s university curriculum not evolving to emphasize practical and digital skills. While some private institutions adapt more relevant courses, public universities remain stagnant. Additionally, vocational and technical education is undervalued, despite industries requiring skilled workers. Countries like Germany and China have effectively reduced unemployment through enhanced technical training, a model Nigeria should adopt.
The private sector’s insufficient involvement in shaping academic curricula contributes to the misalignment between students’ learning and employers’ needs. Aisha Bello, an education consultant, noted that partnerships between companies and universities for practical training opportunities are quite rare. Digital skills training programs are available, yet their high costs put them out of reach for many.
Ofem Igot, an associate professor at Lagos State University, warned of severe consequences if the skills gap continues to widen. Youth unemployment may proliferate crime, social unrest, and emigration as skilled individuals seek better prospects overseas. The ‘Japa’ phenomenon illustrates this brain drain, increasing domestic talent shortages and potentially hindering Nigeria’s participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
To address these challenges, experts suggest urgent reforms to the education system, focusing on practical, digital, and entrepreneurial training. Igot proposed expanding vocational education with government and private sector support and fostering partnerships between universities and industries to ensure curricula meet labor market demands.
On a more optimistic note, initiatives such as Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy aim to train one million citizens in digital skills, complemented by private sector efforts like Microsoft’s Africa Development Center and Google’s Digital Skills for Africa. However, such initiatives are insufficient for addressing the overwhelming demand for skilled labor, leaving many, like Michael Olaniyi, still hoping for better employment opportunities.
In summary, Nigeria’s widening skills gap poses significant challenges to its workforce and economy. Despite a decrease in unemployment rates, a substantial number of job seekers remain ill-prepared for available roles. The disconnect between education and industry needs is evident, necessitating urgent reforms to enhance skill training and create stronger partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector. Successful initiatives provide a glimmer of hope, but comprehensive, collaborative efforts are essential to equip Nigerians with the necessary skills for today’s job market.
Original Source: businessday.ng
