Unemployment has continued to be a major issue among the Nigerian youths. According to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15-34) was 42.5% in the fourth quarter of 2020, which is significantly higher than the overall unemployment rate in Nigeria. This means that a large percentage of young people in Nigeria are unable to find work despite actively looking for it, which can have serious implications for their prospects and for the overall development of the country.
Globalisation, the knowledge-based economy, and current technological breakthroughs have increased the competitiveness and complexity of the business world. These changes have increased the level and breadth of knowledge, skills, and abilities that employers expect from employees, widening the already significant gap between employers’ expectations and the actual skill levels and abilities of graduates who enter the labour pool to apply these skills.
I am proud to announce that Acereal Consult has taken a bold step towards bridging the skill gap among Nigerian youths! After an extensive research process, my team has developed an evidence-based, problem-solving action plan to empower the next generation for success in the ever-evolving business world.
This initiative is close to my heart, and my team was determined to create an efficient and effective plan by conducting in-depth interviews with 170 Nigerian youths across various educational and professional backgrounds, including:
- Secondary school students
- Post-secondary students awaiting admission
- Undergraduates and students in higher institutions
- Unemployed graduates
- National Youth Service Corps members (NYSC)
- Entry-level employees
- Young aspiring entrepreneurs
But that’s not all! We also consulted 24 dedicated teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, and higher institutions, who provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced by our youth and the existing educational landscape.
Taking our findings into account, Acereal has crafted this comprehensive action plan to help close the skill gap and propel Nigerian youths towards a brighter future. Stay tuned for more updates on our progress and initiatives!
