Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has raised concerns about Nigeria’s labour market, citing a disconnect between the high number of job seekers and the shortage of suitably skilled candidates.
Recall that the Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint, Tosin Eniolorunda, recently raised similar concerns about Nigeria’s labour market, stating that while many people are seeking jobs, a significant number lack the practical and technical skills required for available roles.
He noted that companies often struggle to find suitably qualified candidates, despite receiving a high volume of applications, highlighting a persistent gap between education and industry needs.
Kemi Adeosun speaks
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Platform, Kemi Adeosun referenced a recent discussion with business mogul Aliko Dangote, who reportedly expressed difficulty in finding qualified local employees despite receiving numerous applications.
“I had a conversation with Dangote recently, and he told me it’s not that he want to employ foreigners but he can’t get staff in Nigeria. Meanwhile, we have an army of people. Every day I am seeing CVs, so then something is wrong,” she said.
Adeosun noted that the issue points to a broader structural problem, where many graduates do not possess the practical skills employers require.
She cautioned that without bridging the gap between education and industry demands, the country could continue to face the paradox of widespread unemployment alongside vacant job roles.