Lagos Management and human resources expert, Fola Ogunsola, has affirmed that over 80 per cent of graduates of Nigerian universities do not meet the expectations of employers. Speaking to Sunday Independent at a one-day seminar organized by the Fola Ogunsola Foundation, she noted that a significant number of graduates are unemployable due to a mismatch between their education and the skills required by the industry.
Ogunsola explained that while the number of graduates in the country continues to rise annually, employers are often left frustrated with the lack of essential work skills in graduates. She emphasized the need for universities to align their academic programs with real-world job market requirements.
According to Ogunsola, a large number of Nigerian graduates lack practical knowledge and job-ready skills, which are critical in today’s competitive job market. This skill gap, she explained, leads to high unemployment rates and underemployment, which affects the country’s economic growth.
In her address, Ogunsola advocated for the inclusion of practical skills training and internships as part of the curriculum in Nigerian universities. She also suggested partnerships between academic institutions and industries to provide students with the necessary exposure to workplace environments during their academic years.
The event also saw the participation of several industry experts, who reiterated the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to address the skills shortage.