Unemployment and underemployment remain two of Nigeria’s most urgent challenges, particularly for its rapidly growing youth population. While thousands graduate from universities each year, many find themselves unprepared for the realities of today’s job market. But one company, Tripoint Travels, is stepping forward with a bold experiment designed to change that narrative.
The organisation has launched the Tripoint Academy Internship Programme, a six-month initiative that equips young Nigerians with practical skills, workplace exposure, and personal development training. The first cohort of the programme recently graduated in Lagos, marking a small but significant milestone. Out of the seven participants, three have already secured jobs at Tripoint Travels, while others are being considered by partner organisations.
Building Intrapreneurs, Not Just Employees
At the heart of the programme is Mrs. Shuhda Muhammed, Managing Director of Tripoint Travels and founder of Tripoint Academy. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, she described the initiative not simply as an internship, but as the start of a movement.
“I realised that for businesses to grow, we need more than just employees—we need intrapreneurs,” she explained. “Too often, Nigerian youths are educated on paper but lack the practical skills and problem-solving mindset that organisations need. This programme is about proving that, with the right guidance, they can become assets to any industry.”
Muhammed emphasized that employability is not just about academic qualifications but about creativity, responsibility, and a growth mindset. By embedding these qualities in young professionals, she hopes to create a generation of workers who will help businesses not only survive but scale successfully.
A Model for the Future of Work
The Tripoint Academy Internship Programme combines classroom-style business training with real-world, on-the-job experience. Participants are mentored, given meaningful tasks, and trained to think like contributors rather than passive staff members. The goal is to produce intrapreneurs—individuals who innovate within organisations and drive growth from within.
The initiative has drawn praise from across the business community. Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (Nigeria), hailed Tripoint’s bold approach. “One of the biggest challenges businesses face is talent management and finding the right people,” he said. “By preparing young people with real skills, Tripoint is offering a solution that other companies should follow.”
Transforming Lives, One Graduate at a Time
For the interns, the experience has already proven life-changing. Graduate Taiwo Fapohunda reflected on how the programme reshaped his career outlook. “It has been an eye-opener that shifted me into becoming a better person. With the confidence and skills I’ve gained, I know I can contribute meaningfully in aviation and beyond,” he said.
Scaling Up the Impact
While the first cohort was small, Mrs. Muhammed believes it is just the beginning of a larger revolution. “This was our trial run, and the results have been amazing. Imagine the impact if more organisations across Nigeria adopted this approach. Together, we could transform our economy and give young people real reasons to stay, work, and thrive here at home.”
Tripoint Travels is now calling on entrepreneurs, institutions, and private organisations to replicate and scale the model, with the hope that such collaborative efforts will gradually close the unemployment gap and strengthen Nigeria’s future workforce.
