HumanManager equips UNILAG students with digital HR skills

HumanManager, an HR and payroll technology company, has reinforced its commitment to developing Nigeria’s future workforce through the 2026 edition of its NextGen HR Initiative, a programme designed to equip aspiring human resource professionals with practical digital skills.

Held at the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG), the initiative gave students hands-on experience with HumanManager’s HR software, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace practice.

Now in its third consecutive year at UNILAG, the programme, themed “HR in a Digital-First World: From HR Theory to Digital Practice,” introduced participants to digital HR workflows, automation, employee data management, attendance and leave administration, reporting, compliance and other technology-driven processes shaping modern human resource management.

Speaking at the event, Jerry Adeyeri, Lead, Brands & Marketing at HumanManager Limited, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to preparing young professionals for the evolving world of work.

“Today’s HR professionals need more than theoretical knowledge. They must understand the digital systems that power modern organisations. Through the NextGen HR Initiative, we are giving students practical exposure to HR technology and helping them graduate with the skills employers increasingly expect,” he said.

Dr. Mariam Gbagumo-Sheriff, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at UNILAG, praised HumanManager’s long-standing partnership with the university.

She described the initiative as invaluable, noting that teaching Human Resource Information Systems without access to a live platform would be difficult because students require practical experience alongside classroom instruction.

She also commended the company’s consistency, saying its proactive engagement has helped prepare students for workplace realities while generating positive feedback from participants each year.

Students who attended the workshop also welcomed the initiative. Ayeni Damilare, a 300-level student and Class Governor, said the practical sessions transformed his understanding of HR.

“We experienced practical functions such as leave management, reporting and auditing on a live platform. It gave us a clearer understanding of how HR works in the real world and the skills we will need in our careers,” he said.

HumanManager also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in HR. Products Lead Temitope Obidike said the company is exploring AI applications in recruitment, employee database management and payroll processing through strategic partnerships and in-house innovation to remain aligned with global trends and deliver greater value to organisations and HR professionals.