To address Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis, Lagos State’s West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE) has partnered with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and King’s Trust Fund (KTI) to equip young Nigerians with critical entrepreneurial skills . The initiative, targeting 2,000 youths aged 18–35 by 2027, focuses on practical training often missing in traditional education systems.
The program concluded with a job fair connecting over 150 pre-screened candidates with 20 employers, following a four-week intensive employability training . Participants learned resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace professionalism—skills frequently overlooked in academic settings.
Tayelolu Owadokun , WAVE’s Recruitment Team Lead, emphasized the program’s urgency: “Many graduates lack basic job-readiness skills. We’re bridging that gap while offering entrepreneurship training as a backup.” Over 300 applicants began the program, with 150 completing rigorous WhatsApp-based training and in-person assessments.
Oyindamola Egbeyemi , LSETF’s Director of Programs, highlighted the initiative’s accountability: “Success isn’t just about training numbers. We track participants’ progress three months post-program to ensure real-world impact.”
Participant Success Stories
- Adeola Kareem , a beneficiary, praised the practical focus: “The training taught us CV writing and confidence-building—skills more valuable than certificates.”
- Solomon Iregbeyen , a business development executive, called the program “transformative,” citing lessons in emotional intelligence and networking.
The initiative builds on Lagos State’s broader efforts to tackle youth unemployment. In 2023, LSETF partnered with the U.S. African Development Foundation to scale entrepreneurship and job creation programs.
Why It Matters
With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate exceeding 40%, Lagos State’s blend of entrepreneurial training and employer linkages offers a replicable model. However, sustaining momentum hinges on addressing systemic gaps in skills development and policy support.
Follow us on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/businessnewsng?igsh=ZXpweTdjOGF1ZXdu
