Dr. Dennis Zulu, the Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Nigeria, has highlighted skill mismatch as a significant factor behind the country’s growing unemployment rates. Speaking at the launch of the Vision to Fruition symposium series organized by the Network of Social Entrepreneurs (NOSE), Dr. Zulu emphasized that many multinational companies hesitate to hire Nigerian applicants because they lack the skills demanded by today’s job market.
According to Dr. Zulu, the current school curriculum no longer aligns with the needs of 21st-century employers, creating a gap between education and employment opportunities. He also pointed out that a large portion of employed Nigerians work for unregistered companies, which complicates the job market further.
Calling on the government to take decisive action, Dr. Zulu urged for the enforcement of effective employment policies and relevant laws to tackle the unemployment challenge at its root.
In a keynote address titled Preparing Nigerian Youths for Positions of Leadership: Experience from One Campaign, Mrs. Serah Zainab Makka, Country Director of One Campaign, stressed the crucial role of social entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s development. She described it as a powerful fusion of private enterprise and social impact that can drive meaningful change.
Mrs. Makka underscored the importance of collaboration and networking, noting that when passionate individuals unite around a shared vision, their efforts can grow exponentially. She also highlighted the need for citizens and civil society to hold the government accountable for delivering quality services such as healthcare and education, especially in rural areas. Her organization remains committed to fighting extreme hunger and poverty across Nigeria.
Dr. Gafar Alawode, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at NOSE, shared the group’s vision to build a multi-sectoral community of excellence. This community aims to harness the energy and innovation of Nigeria’s youthful population to drive positive social and economic outcomes.
Barrister Femi Adekunle, a member of the NOSE Board of Trustees, welcomed participants by affirming the organization’s dedication to mobilizing Africa’s ambitious youth to become agents of transformative change across the continent.
