Policies that support small business growth, access to finance will boost job creation – Richard-Banji

Temitope Richard-Banji is a seasoned Global Human Capital and Leadership consultant. His professional journey has woven through the intricate tapestries of Human Capital, Talent Management, HR Transformation, Leadership Development, and Coaching, coupled with adeptness in Culture and Change management across the expansive landscapes of the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Having left his indelible mark on esteemed organisations such as Accenture (EMEA), AND Digital (UK), Mastercard Foundation (Africa & Canada), Deloitte (West Africa), LEAP Africa (Nigeria), Access Bank (Nigeria), and Domestic and General Insurance (UK), Temitope has collaboratively reshaped organisational cultures and operational paradigms. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he spoke on the current state of employability in Nigeria and specific skills Nigerian employers look for in job seekers today. Excerpts:

How would you describe the current state of employability in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s employability landscape is challenging but full of potential. There’s a growing youth population, yet many graduates struggle to find jobs because of skill mismatches. Employers are hiring, but they can’t always find talent with the right technical and soft skills. The good news? We’re seeing more efforts in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), digital skills development, and entrepreneurship, which are creating new pathways for young people. But we still have work to do.

What are the biggest challenges job seekers face in securing employment?

First, skill gaps—many graduates lack the practical skills employers need. Then, there’s limited work experience; employers want experience, but how do young people get it if no one gives them a chance? Also, access to job opportunities is a big issue—many jobs are not widely advertised, making it difficult for job seekers to connect with employers. Lastly, soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are often overlooked but are critical for success in any workplace.

How do skill gaps impact employability, and what sectors are most affected?

The skill gaps mean many job seekers are not work-ready. The tech, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors are particularly affected. For example, Nigeria has a huge demand for software developers, data analysts, and digital marketers, but there aren’t enough trained professionals. The same goes for technical fields like welding, plumbing, and electrical work—TVET programmes need more support to meet industry demands.

What role do NGOs play in bridging the employability gap in Nigeria?

NGOs are game-changers in this space. At ENGEN Foundation, we focus on TVET, employability, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that young people, especially those from underserved backgrounds, get access to practical skills training, mentorship, and job placement opportunities. NGOs are also advocating for policy changes, supporting career readiness programs, and funding innovative training models to ensure no one is left behind.

How can private sector organisations contribute to improving workforce readiness?

The private sector must move from complaining about skill shortages to actively shaping the workforce. Companies should partner with educational institutions, offer internships and apprenticeships, and support TVET initiatives. Employers also need to invest in continuous learning—instead of just rejecting candidates, they should build in-house training programs to upskill employees.

What steps can the public sector take to enhance employability and job creation?

The government must focus on education reform, ensuring curricula are industry-relevant. They should also incentivise businesses to hire and train young people through tax breaks or funding support. Expanding TVET programs, strengthening digital infrastructure, and fostering entrepreneurship-friendly policies are also critical.

How can collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and NGOs be strengthened?

We need joint initiatives where all stakeholders contribute. For instance, the government can provide funding and policy support, the private sector can offer training and job placements, and NGOs can focus on capacity-building and mentorship. Multi-stakeholder partnerships have been successful in other countries, and we can replicate that here.

What successful models or partnerships have you seen that improved employability?

A great example is the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works, which aims to create 30 million jobs for young Africans. Another is Accenture’s skills-to-succeed programs, which help job seekers gain employable skills. At ENGEN Foundation, we’ve successfully run employability bootcamps that connect young people with mentors, training, and job opportunities.

What specific skills do Nigerian employers look for in job seekers today?

Beyond technical skills, employers want critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strong communication skills. In tech, skills in programming, cybersecurity, and data analytics are in high demand. In business, sales, customer service, and leadership abilities are key.

How can the education system be reformed to better prepare graduates for the workforce?

We need to bridge academia and industry. Schools should integrate internships, hands-on projects, and soft skills training into their curricula. Also, universities and polytechnics should partner with industries to create real-world learning experiences.

What role does technology and digital transformation play in employability?

Technology is reshaping the job market. Digital skills are now essential across industries. Online learning platforms are making education more accessible, while remote work is creating global job opportunities. Nigeria must scale digital literacy efforts to ensure its workforce stays competitive.

How can SMEs and startups contribute to solving Nigeria’s unemployment challenges?

SMEs are Nigeria’s largest employers. Startups should focus on hiring young talent and investing in training. Policies that support small business growth, access to finance, and ease of doing business will also boost job creation.

What policy changes could help create a more employable workforce?

The government should prioritise TVET and skills-based education, offer tax incentives for businesses that hire and train youth, and expand digital infrastructure to improve remote work opportunities. There should also be structured mentorship and apprenticeship programs.

What advice would you give to young Nigerians seeking to improve their employability?

Be proactive about learning—don’t wait for schools to teach you everything. Take online courses, attend workshops, and develop new skills.

Get experience wherever you can—volunteer, do internships, freelance. Any experience counts.

Network strategically—build relationships with people in your industry. LinkedIn is a powerful tool.

Develop problem-solving and communication skills—these are what set candidates apart in any field.

What are the long-term benefits of investing in employability programs for the Nigerian economy?

Investing in employability will reduce unemployment, drive economic growth, and create a more competitive workforce. A skilled workforce attracts foreign investment, strengthens local industries, and reduces dependency on external aid. The future of Nigeria depends on equipping young people with the right skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.