Employers Say 60% of Nigerian Graduates Not Job-Ready

A recent report indicates that nearly 60% of employers in Nigeria believe that graduates are not adequately prepared for the workforce, underscoring a critical gap between academic training and industry expectations. The report reveals that 55% of Nigerian graduates work in roles unrelated to their field of study, emphasizing a misalignment between academic training and the demands of the modern workplace.

Deborah Yemi Oladayo, Managing Director of Proten International, described the issue as multidimensional, stressing that merely redesigning curricula is insufficient. She highlighted the need for retraining educators to effectively prepare students.

Oladayo advised students to take responsibility for their own development and seek opportunities beyond traditional education, including online platforms for skill acquisition. Harri Enabolo, founder of Treford Africa, emphasized the importance of practical experience, encouraging students to pursue internships and engage with startups to enhance their employability.

The report calls for a flexible education system that allows students to combine academic learning with practical experience.