In 2023, a significant skills gap in Nigeria’s workforce prevents millions from finding jobs. While job vacancies outnumber job seekers, many lack the necessary skills, exacerbated by outdated educational curricula. The ongoing mismatch between education and market demands prompts calls for urgent reforms to integrate practical and technical training, enhancing employability and aligning with industry needs.
In 2023, a manufacturing company in Lagos struggled to fill two chemical ecologist positions for over six months. Despite searching through universities and polytechnics, they found no suitable candidates and resorted to importing skills from India. This scenario underscores a critical skills gap that leaves many Nigerians unemployed due to a lack of necessary skills for the job market.
The 2025 Lagos Economic Development Update reveals a significant labor market paradox. Monthly labor demand reaches an average of 2,837 vacancies, but the supply includes 3,318 job seekers. Among these, 816 job seekers—26 percent—lack both education and experience, reducing the eligible candidates to 2,502. Despite the influx of job seekers, employers face difficulties finding qualified candidates for critical roles. \”While there are job openings, businesses cannot find candidates with the right skills,\” stated Ope George, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports Nigeria’s unemployment rate at 4.3 percent for Q2 2024, a significant decrease from 33.3 percent in 2021 due to new methodologies. However, experts suggest that this figure does not fully encapsulate the underemployment and informal work in Nigeria. The World Bank estimates that 23 million Nigerians were either unemployed or underemployed in 2023, highlighting the high number of affected young people.
A report by the Jobberman Foundation emphasizes the disconnect between educational outcomes and job market demands, revealing that 60 percent of Nigerian graduates lack the skills required for available jobs. Industries like technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing are particularly affected, leading companies to either recruit internationally or invest heavily in training their staff.
Personal experiences reflect this disconnect; for instance, 28-year-old Michael Olaniyi has applied for over 200 jobs without success, often receiving rejections due to a lack of required experience or technical skills. His struggles are common among Nigerian graduates, whose academic preparations fail to meet industry standards, especially in fields needing specialized training like technology.
Persisting skills gaps can be attributed to stagnant university curricula that lack focus on practical and digital skills. While some institutions have introduced relevant courses, others remain tethered to outdated systems. Furthermore, vocational and technical education is often undervalued, even as sectors such as construction and renewable energy face critical labor shortages. Countries like Germany and China demonstrate the benefits of strong technical education systems—an approach Nigeria has not fully embraced.
Insufficient engagement from the private sector in shaping academic programs exacerbates the issue, leading to learning outcomes misaligned with employer needs. \”Companies should partner with universities to offer internships but this rarely happens,\” noted Aisha Bello, an education consultant.
Expensive digital skills training programs hinder access for many job seekers, with boot camps costing between N200,000 and N1 million. Government initiatives in this area are scarce and variable in quality, leaving many to rely on self-education.
The implications of a widening skills gap are severe, warns Ofem Igot, an associate professor at Lagos State University. Unemployment among youth contributes to crime and social unrest, spurring migration as skilled workers seek opportunities abroad. This trend, termed the ‘Japa’ wave, worsens the domestic talent shortage and threatens Nigeria’s competitiveness in global industries that are increasingly reliant on skilled labor.
To address these challenges, Nigeria must implement systemic reforms to align education with industry needs, emphasizing practical, digital, and entrepreneurial training. Igot advocates for expanding vocational training through government and private sector collaborations, and removing the stigma attached to blue-collar work. Encouraging partnerships between higher education and industries can help create internship pathways and mentorship opportunities.
Despite these challenges, several initiatives signal hope. The Nigerian government’s National Digital Economy Policy aims to train one million citizens in digital skills. Private sector efforts, such as Microsoft’s Africa Development Center and Google’s Digital Skills for Africa, are vital, yet not adequate to fully meet demands. For many like Michael Olaniyi, employment remains a distant dream; however, with effective policies and partnerships, Nigeria can equip its workforce with essential skills for the future.
The skills gap in Nigeria significantly hinders employment opportunities, leaving many job seekers without the necessary qualifications for available roles. The disconnect between educational outcomes and industry demands exacerbates this issue. Addressing this crisis requires systemic reforms in education, emphasizing practical, technical, and digital skills through effective partnerships between academia and industry. Initiatives to close the gap show promise, but urgent action is necessary to equip Nigeria’s workforce for future challenges.
Original Source: businessday.ng
