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Tag: unemployment

  • Don: why varsities must tackle poverty, unemployment 

    Don: why varsities must tackle poverty, unemployment 

    • By Temitope Adejuwon, BU

    The Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, has urged higher institutions to redesign curricula to meet national needs, foster human‑capital development, promote modern economic sectors and support social‑economic mobility.

    He delivered the 57th inaugural lecture of Babcock University, held at the main campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

    He said universities across the country have a vital role to play in reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth.

    In his lecture: “It is Time for Functional Businesses to Kill Poverty in  Africa,” he noted universities can empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty by designing curricula that meet national needs.

    According to him, such an approach not only prepares graduates for the dynamic demands of modern economy, but also positions universities as “pivotal contributors to national competitiveness, and economic development.”

    He said universities must go beyond traditional teaching and research to become active engines of entrepreneurship and innovation hubs.

    He noted that these multifaceted roles position universities as vital agents in Nigeria’s transition from a resource‑dependent economy to a knowledge‑driven society.

    Citing a three‑dimensional approach of scientific, educational and cultural poverty alleviation, Prof. Asikhia said from a scientific perspective, university‑led research and technological innovation can generate practical solutions for economic challenges in impoverished regions.

    He said while an educational poverty alleviation focuses on improving access to quality education for disadvantaged populations, providing financial aid, and fostering intellectual and vocational development to break intergenerational poverty, the cultural angle calls for promoting values, social cohesion, and innovative thinking that support sustainable community development and empower individuals toward long‑term prosperity.

    The don sought collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to register student start‑ups and enable them to operate while still in school.

    He stressed the need for flexible curricula that align with the National University Commission (NUC) guidelines.

    “Student entrepreneurs should be empowered to overcome traditional resource constraints, reduce operational costs and access global markets,” he added.

    He stressed the need for university‑led research that addresses socio‑economic challenges and community‑service initiatives that directly benefit local populations.

    “The presence of higher institutions of learning in a community should foster a unique environment where innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration thrive.

    “Universities should serve as incubators for start‑ups, providing resources such as research facilities, mentorship and access to funding within the community,” he said.

    The don emphasised the need for Nigerian universities to adopt a more proactive, market‑oriented approach to equip graduates with the skills and mindset necessary for self‑reliance and societal advancement.

  • Ex-HoS, Bowen VC urge curriculum reform, research-driven policies to tackle unemployment

    Ex-HoS, Bowen VC urge curriculum reform, research-driven policies to tackle unemployment

    Former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, and Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Prof. Jonathan Babalola, have called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s education curriculum and a shift toward research-driven policies to address the rising menace of unemployment and declining educational standards.

    The duo made the call at the grand finale of the 60th anniversary celebration of postgraduate studies at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    They lamented that the current system places more emphasis on certificates than competence, leading to a glut of unemployable graduates and a weakened labour market.

    In his lecture titled ‘Postgraduate Studies in Nigeria: The Past, Present and Future’, Prof. Babalola identified major challenges affecting postgraduate education in Nigeria, including the sale of degrees, plagiarised theses, poor supervision, and lack of mentorship.

    He emphasized the need for increased government funding, adoption of technology, and integrity in research, warning against data falsification and unethical academic practices.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    Prof. Afolabi, in his goodwill message, expressed concern over the shift from skill-based education to certificate-chasing, noting that “graduates used to be market-ready, but today’s rush for certificates without competence has worsened unemployment.”

    He stressed the urgent need to redesign Nigeria’s curriculum to be more relevant, impactful, and aligned with the realities of the job market.

    Earlier, the Provost of Postgraduate College, Prof. Victor Olaleye, disclosed that OAU now runs various postgraduate programmes across 104 departments and 14 faculties, reflecting the institution’s continued growth and commitment to advanced education.

    “Over the past 60 years, the College has produced 29,887 graduates who have achieved remarkable success globally, comprising: 3,985 Postgraduate Diplomas; 13,813 Professional Masters; 8,247 Masters with Research Thesis; 965 Master of Philosophy; 2, 877 Doctor of Philosophy. The current student enrolment is: 7,095, including 60 international students.”

  • Firm to tackle unemployment

    Firm to tackle unemployment

    In a bold move to combat unemployment and equip young Nigerians with future-ready skills, Start Innovation Hub has announced a N40 million commitment in scholarships and discounts for digital training programmes. The investment, unveiled by its  Chief Executive Hanson Johnson, aims to bridge Nigeria’s widening tech skills gap and empower youth—particularly from underserved communities—with the tools to access gainful employment in the digital economy.

    “This is more than just a scholarship drive. It’s a strategic intervention to reduce unemployment, fuel innovation, and build a globally competitive workforce from within Nigeria,” ,” Johnson said.

    With youth unemployment still a pressing issue, Start Innovation Hub’s initiative is being hailed as a transformative model for job creation. The programme is designed to enable at least 200 full-fee signups, with many more trainees benefiting from heavily subsidised rates across its digital courses. Areas of training include Web Development, UI/UX Design, Data Analysis, Python Programming, Cybersecurity, and Machine Learning.

    Johnson noted that the overwhelming response from communities for digital training has reinforced the hub’s mission. “We are responding to a clear need. The skills we teach are aligned directly with what employers are asking for—not just in Nigeria, but globally.”

    Though headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Start Innovation Hub is scaling its reach nationally through a hybrid learning model, regional pop-up bootcamps, and soon-to-be-launched “TalentPort Academies” in key cities across the country. The TalentPort initiative is central to the hub’s long-term vision—offering hands-on training, mentorship, incubation support, and pathways to job placement or entrepreneurship.

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    The hub has received recognition from the Federal Government and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) as an accredited skills development center, positioning it as a critical partner in Nigeria’s workforce transformation agenda. Start Innovation Hub is currently in talks with government agencies and vocational institutions to integrate its industry-driven curriculum into broader national training programs.

    Beyond classroom training,he said  the hub is also driving apprenticeship and mentorship opportunities, matching top-performing trainees with tech startups, SMEs, and corporate partners. His words: “ Our Business Catalyst programme  helps aspiring entrepreneurs incubate ideas into viable ventures, while seasoned professionals serve as mentors—bridging the gap between theory and practice.”

    Speaking on broader workforce challenges, Johnson emphasised the need to stem the brain drain of Nigeria’s tech talent by fostering attractive local opportunities. “We must make staying in Nigeria worthwhile for tech professionals. That means offering competitive compensation, funding for startups, better infrastructure, and telling our own success stories.”

    He called for stronger policy support, including tax incentives for companies investing in apprenticeships and local talent, standardised quality assurance frameworks, and better digital platforms to connect young professionals to jobs and mentorship.

  • Ex-transport minister urges FG to tackle unemployment through diving sector devt

    Ex-transport minister urges FG to tackle unemployment through diving sector devt

    Retired Rear Admiral and former Minister of Transport, Festus Porbeni, has called on the federal government to unlock massive employment opportunities by prioritising the development of Nigeria’s diving sector.

    Porbeni, who currently chairs Bics Garden, made the call while addressing journalists on Tuesday. 

    He expressed concern over the government’s neglect of the sector, noting that despite its vast potential, it remains largely untapped—leaving millions of youths unemployed.

    He urged the government to establish modern, state-of-the-art training institutions to develop skilled divers. 

    According to him, such professionals would be equipped to contribute across multiple sectors, including oil and gas, maritime operations, underwater archaeology, and the broader marine and blue economy.

    He said, “In this country, there are not many divers. Diving schools are very few. So, we have foreigners doing diving jobs for us in all the oil exploration, diving and repair, working at pipelines, as well as other areas.

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    “Diving should be taken more seriously and the government should put some more effort. I was a Frogman, a naval diver, and I know the many advantages of having divers in our seas. As a Frogman, I could dive under ships to install bombs; but for real diving, you can also repair the propeller, lay underwater pipelines, carryout anti-fouling, do underwater exploration, etc.

    Noting that in other countries, it is easier to obtain requisite training and a certificate as a trained and certified diver, Porbeni called on the federal government to intentionally establish training institutions that would equip Nigerian youths with skills for gainfully employment.

    “If Nigerians have to go to South Africa and to other countries to be trained on diving, it is a challenge. Hence, there is a need to establish diving schools that will train young Nigerians to be expert and to be certificated,” he said.

    Porbeni recalled some of his activities as a former Minister of Transportation; including the dredging of River Niger and addressing challenges arising from siltation.

    He admonished the government to dredge the nation’s inland waterway channels and river ports in order to transform the nation’s transport system with waterways as first-choice for conveying goods and persons.

    To enhance the development of the nation’s waterways transport, Porbeni averred that synergy and interagency collaboration is needed between the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and State Government organisations like the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

    While congratulating President Bola Tinubu on his economic reforms such as; subsidy removal, forex stability, coastal super highway under construction, and other decisions to salvage the nation’s economy, Porbeni pleaded with Nigerians to exercise patience with the current administration, adding that despite the tough economic times the nation will fare better in the near future.

    “It has been 26 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999. There have been challenges, conflicts and heated electoral processes; but the nation has stood firm. This is something that is worth celebrating even as we look forward to achieving more with democracy,” he remarked.

  • More polytechnics needed to fight unemployment

    More polytechnics needed to fight unemployment

    Sir: The world is shifting to a skills-based education focused on practical application, while placing less emphasis on paper qualifications and Nigeria should follow suit.

    To reduce unemployment and create jobs for the teeming youth, the government should focus more on entrepreneurship and technical education to equip citizens with skills-based education. This will help Nigerian youths secure jobs during and after school.

    Just recently, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, agreed to the request of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide two certificates to polytechnic graduates. This is a good initiative that will add more value to polytechnics.  Professor Idris M. Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education is doing a good job of changing the old narratives about the Nigerian polytechnic education system. Bugaje is advocating for modernizing polytechnic institutions and reinventing better ways of improving skills in technical and vocational education. With the assistance of the Ministry of Education and the help of the current minister, much can be done to revitalize skills in industries.

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    Polytechnics are all about hands-on learning. They equip students with the actual, usable skills that employers need. Universities are not skills-oriented institutions and should not be considered as such. Evidence shows that graduates finish universities with degrees that just don’t translate to what the market wants. Polytechnics fill the jobs gap because polytechnic graduates are trained for specific industries and trades.

    Polytechnics are about creating self-employing jobs. The polytechnic institutions encourage innovation and teach students how to start their own businesses during and after the study. Through the polytechnic system, young Nigerians can access quality technical education. The polytechnics build young entrepreneurs with skills that benefit both the nation and the workers.

    Nigeria is bursting with the potentials of its youths. Our young Nigerians are smart, resourceful, and ready to work, and this government should pave the way for this demand. Let this government renew the hope of our polytechnics to curb unemployment and fight poverty for the good of the country.

    • Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

  • We’re tackling unemployment headlong – FG

    We’re tackling unemployment headlong – FG

    The Minister of Labour and  Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi said that the ministry has been putting up measures to comprehensively tackle unemployment.

    Dingyadi made this assertion when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, chaired by Senator, Diket Plang (APC-Plateau Central) to defend the 2025 budget of the ministry.

    He noted that he was barely three months old in office, adding that “we have each and every hour been fighting unemployment in the ministry because that is our key assignment.

    “That is the key responsibility that the Minister of Labour and Employment is saddled  with.

    “All the skill development programmes that this ministry is doing, we are doing it to fight unemployment.

    “This is our major responsibility. And like I said, we are on top of the situation to ensure that we fight unemployment to finish”.

    When asked about unemployment statistics, Dingyadi said that he would not want to give figures that he wasn’t sure of adding that “we don’t know that this question was going to be asked. 

    “By way of presenting figures, I don’t want to go into giving you figures that I’m not very sure of. But I want to assure you that we have these figures.

    “I didn’t come with them and we have to coordinate them because all our parastatals and agencies are working on this issue of fighting unemployment.

    “So we’ll coordinate and provide our committee with these figures. I know members of this committee are very serious and very intelligent.

    Read Also: Researchers advocate policy coordination to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria

    “When we bring these figures, you will know whether what we are telling you is correct or not. So please give us a little time. We will get these figures ready for you and we will make them public if you want us to do so.

    “I’m sure the figures are there. It’s only that we didn’t come with them because we don’t know that this question is going to be answered”.

    Plang appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare, well-being and happiness of all Nigerian workers, both in the public and the private sectors.

    He also acknowledged the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring decent work and promoting employment opportunities.

    “The recent implementation of the new national minimum wage, which took effect on April 1, 2024, is a testament to this commitment.

    “Our budget allocation which is slightly reviewed upward as against 2024 Budget Act, will support the Ministry’s efforts to ensure and enforce that workers receive fair compensation.”

  • We didn’t ask unemployed youths to register, says NDE

    We didn’t ask unemployed youths to register, says NDE

    The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has distanced itself from the message circulating on social media urging unemployed persons to register at any NDE office nationwide.

    NDE said the message is fake and did not emanate from its office.
    The Directorate urged the general public to disregard the message in its entirety and refrain from acting on it.

    NDE management also said any official announcement, programme or directive from it are communicated through verified channels such as its official website, social media handles, offices nationwide and recognized media outlets.

    The agency stated in a disclaimer: “The attention of the management of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has been drawn to a message circulating on social media urging unemployed persons to register at any NDE office nationwide, claiming the registration will last for three weeks and encouraging the public to share the information widely.

    “The NDE wishes to categorically state that this information is false and did not originate from us. The public is advised to disregard the message in its entirety and refrain from acting on it.

    “Any official announcements, programmes, or directives from the NDE are communicated through verified channels such as our official website, social media handles, offices nationwide and recognized media outlets.

    “We urge the public to verify any information attributed to the NDE to avoid being misled by false or unauthorized communications.”

  • FG urges youths to embrace skills to tackle unemployment

    FG urges youths to embrace skills to tackle unemployment

    The Federal Government has urged young people to embrace technical skills in order to address the country’s rising youth unemployment. 

    The government said such skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communications are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.

    Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande said this during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration with the theme: “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century – Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth,” in Abuja.

    In a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, the minister advocated for youths to prioritise the investment of their time and put efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies by actively engaging in the pursuit that can significantly enhance their employability that will make them attractive candidates before their potential employers. 

    The minister said: “Acquiring these skills will equip youth to confidently navigate the complexities and demands of an increasingly competitive job market, where adaptability and innovation are crucial. This proactive approach plays a vital role in addressing the rising unemployment crisis that has been affecting many young Nigerians today.

    “Through dedicated skill development, they can not only improve their job prospects but also lay the groundwork for sustainable career growth and success in the long run. In this rapidly evolving economic landscape, embracing continuous learning and professional development is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving one’s career aspirations.

    The minister explained that the theme of the programme served as a powerful endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, adding that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

    Olawande stated: “This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent.”

    A lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, Professor Ahmed Adamu stated that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs would be created.

    Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

    He said that it was crucial for young people not to only stay informed about emerging technologies but also be actively engaged in learning and development opportunities that will prepare them for these new roles.

    He said by doing so, they can position themselves to benefit from the influx of new job opportunities instead of being left behind in an increasingly competitive job market.

  • Unemployment rose to 5.3% in Q1 2024, says NBS

    Unemployment rose to 5.3% in Q1 2024, says NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday said Nigeria’s unemployment rate increased from 5.0per cent in third quarter 2023 (Q3 2023) to 5.3per cent in Q1 2024.

    NBS, in statement on “Nigeria’s Labour Force in Focus: NBS Published the 2023 Annual and Q1 2024 Labour Force Survey Results,” said: “The unemployment rate increased to 5.3per cent in Q1 2024, from 5.0per cent in Q3 2023. By place of residence, the rate was 6.0per cent in urban areas and 4.3per cent in rural areas for Q1 2024.”

    The report also said unemployment by Educational Status: Unemployment based on educational attainment shows that the unemployment rate among persons with post-graduate education was 2.0per cent, 9.0per cent among those with post-secondary education, 6.9per cent for those with secondary.

    NBS said employment-to-population ratio: The employment-to-population ratio was 73.2per cent in Q1 2024.

    This, the report said, is a decrease of 2.4 percentage points compared to a ratio of 75.6per cent in Q3 2023.

    NBS explained that the reports provide a comprehensive picture of Nigeria’s labour market performance for the full year 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, offering vital insights into key labour market indicators.

    The release of the 2023 annual report marks the first of its kind, conducted in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) guidelines between the 4th Quarter of 2022 and the 3rd Quarter of 2023.

    NBS said the findings offer detailed state-level data on critical labour market indicators such as unemployment, underemployment, wage employment, informal employment, and youth participation in education, employment, or training.

    In highlights of the 2023 Annual Report of the NLFS, NBS said on working-age population: The working-age population in the year 2023 was 116.6 million, representing 53.8per cent of the total population.

    Women accounted for 52per cent of this population, with men at 48 per cent.

    On labour force participation rate, it said the annual Labour Force Participation rate was 76.3per cent, equivalent to 88.9 million individuals.

    Giving state by state insight into the report, it said Bauchi recorded the highest participation rate at 92.3per cent, while Ekiti had the lowest at 63.4per cent.

    On employed population, NBS said of the total working-age population in 2023, 84.1 million individuals were employed, including 20.6 million persons between the ages of 15 and 24.

    It further said in terms of employment-to-population ratio: In 2023, the national employment-to-population ratio was 72.2per cent, with rural areas (77.3per cent), significantly outperforming urban areas (68.7per cent).

    Bauchi had the highest employment-to-population ratio at 88.4per cent, while Rivers recorded the lowest at 55.7per cent. By sex, the EPR was 73.7per cent for males and 70.7per cent for females.

    On informal employment, the report said in the year under review, 77.6 million individuals, were engaged in informal employment, accounting for 92.2per cent of the employed population.

    It said: “Kano State had the highest number of informal workers, with about 5.2 million individuals engaged in informal employment, followed by Lagos State with 4.6 million people (excluding agriculture).

    On unemployment rate, it said the headline unemployment rate at the national level was 5.4per centin 2023. At the state level, Abia recorded the highest unemployment rate at 18.7per cent, while Nasarawa had the lowest at 0.5 per cent.”

    NBS said in terms of unemployment by educational status: In terms of educational attainment, the unemployment rate was highest at 9.4per cent among persons with post-secondary education.

    The report said this was followed by those with secondary education at 6.7 per cent, and those with primary education at 4.1 per cent.

    It added that the rate was lowest for those with no formal qualification at 3.2 per cent.

    The statement also said: “Time-related underemployment: National time-related underemployment stood at 11.1per cent, with 8.3per cent for men and 13.4per cent for women. Plateau State had the highest time-related underemployment at 33.9per cent, while Nasarawa recorded the lowest at 0.3per cent.

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    “Youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET rate): The Youth NEET rate was 15.6per cent, with Abia State recording the highest NEET rate at 38.1per cent and Zamfara State the lowest at 4.5 per cent.”

    Its highlights of Q1 2024 Labour Force Survey said labour force participation rate: In Q1 2024, the labour force participation rate among the working-age population declined to 77.3 per cent in Q1 2024, from 79.5pe cent in Q3 2023.

    The statement reads in part: “Employment-to-population ratio: The employment-to-population ratio was 73.2per cent in Q1 2024. This is a decrease of 2.4 percentage points compared to a ratio of 75.6per cent in Q3 2023.

    “The ratio in urban areas was 69.5per cent and 78.9per cent in rural areas in Q1 2024. This is a decrease in the ratio compared to the 71.1per cent and 80.7per cent in Q3 2023, respectively.

    “Wage employment: The proportion of workers in wage employment rose to 16.0per cent in Q1 2024, a 3.3 percentage point increase from 12.7per cent in Q3 2023. By gender, 20.1per cent of males were in wage employment, compared to 12.1per cent of females. Wage employment was also higher in urban areas, at 21.8per cent than in rural areas, where it stood at 8.1per cent.

    “Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate increased to 5.3per cent in Q1 2024, from 5.0per cent in Q3 2023. By place of residence, the rate was 6.0 per cent in urban areas and 4.3per cent in rural areas for Q1 2024.

    “Unemployment by Educational Status: Unemployment based on educational attainment shows that the unemployment rate among persons with post-graduate education was 2.0 per cent, 9.0per cent among those with post-secondary education, 6.9per cent for those with secondary education, and 4.0per cent among those with primary education in Q1 2024.

    “Youth Unemployment: The unemployment rate among youth aged (15-24 years) was 8.4 per cent in Q1 2024, a decrease of 0.2per cent compared to Q3 2023 (8.6per cent).

    Time-related underemployment: Time-related underemployment in Q1 2024 was 10.6per cent, showing a decrease of 1.7per cent from the rate of 12.3per cent recorded in Q3 2023.

     “Youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET rate): The percentage of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET rate) was 14.4 per cent in Q1 2024, showing a 0.7 percentage point increase from 13.7per cent in Q3 2023. The results also showed a higher NEET rate among females at 15.9per cent, compared to 13.0per cent for males in Q3 2023.

    “Number of Hours Worked: Nationally, 1.5per cent of employed Nigerians spent between 1-9 hours in a week, 4.8per cent spent between 10-19 hours in a week, approximately 25per cent worked between 20-39 hours, 22per cent between 40-48 hours, and the 46per cent worked 48-hours and above in a week.”

  • Fed Govt restates commitment to address unemployment

    Fed Govt restates commitment to address unemployment

    …as govt pledges to ensure 7m youths acquire skills

    The federal government has reiterated its commitment to implement a comprehensive range of targeted youth employment programmes to tackle unemployment in the country.

    The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim made this known during the commemoration of the 2024 World Youth Skills ‘Day with the Theme: “Youth Skills For Peace & Development.”

    The minister revealed that the government has put in place programmes that are specifically designed to address the pressing issue of unemployment and as well bridge the significant employment gap among our rapidly growing youth population.

    She said that these programmes would also provide meaningful opportunities for young people to enter the workforce and contribute to the nation’s economy.

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    In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, the minister lamented the “escalating youth unemployment and underscored the proactive approach adopted by the ministry to address it.”

    She said: “As a part of its core mandate, the Ministry recently orchestrated an extensive and meticulously planned capacity building programmes specifically tailored to the fashion design and tailoring business sectors. This multifaceted initiative also involved the establishment and furnishing of a cutting-edge tailoring hub located within the premises of the National Youth Development Centre in Odeomu, Osun state.

    “The hub boasts a comprehensive array of modern fashion and tailoring machinery, providing a conducive environment for aspiring young entrepreneurs to acquire and hone their skills in the domains of fashion design and associated enterprises. The Ministry is dedicated to offering a platform for interested youth to access the center and take advantage of the invaluable opportunities for skill development and empowerment it presents.”

    The minister observed that millions of young people around the world are unemployed and not involved in any meaningful and sustainable work.

    She also noted that the majority of these individuals lived in developing countries, where they are underemployed and are continually exposed to low-quality jobs, greater labour market inequality.

    She said: “The 2024 World Skills Day is expected to create synergy among all key players in youth development. I believe that the programme will successfully increase enthusiasm for skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. It will challenge everyone to create a commendable platform to launch a new project on skill acquisition and development that aligns with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’”

    Minister of State for Youth Development, Olawande Ayodele, underscored government’s resolve to equip the youth with vital skills for enhanced employability.

    Olawande, who emphasised the importance of job fairs, observed that Nigeria has had trade fairs over the years and that it was time to have job fairs to promote skill acquisition.

    He declared that in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda; he was determined to ensure that seven million Nigerian Youths acquire at least two skills each within the next two years.

    The Permanent Secretary of the ministry Dunoma Ahmed stressed the ministry’s commitment to advancing skills acquisition, nurturing peace and propelling socio-economic growth throughout Nigeria.

    The Guest speaker, Engineer Kashim Ali, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), also admonished youths to acquire skills.

    Ali challenged members of the public to engage in skill acquisitions regardless of age or qualifications.

    He encouraged adults to learn skills that were suitable for them, adding that it was never too late to learn.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Youth, Adeyemi Adaramodu described the skill development initiative as a positive development by the ministry.

    Adaramodu assured the ministry that he was ready to legislate on any measure that would enhance the lives of Nigerian youths.