New report exposes graduate skills gap in Nigeria, with nearly 60% of employers saying graduates are not job-ready

Proten International has exposed an alarming graduate skills gap in Nigeria, revealing that nearly 60 per cent of employers believe graduates are not adequately prepared for the workplace.

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The findings were presented at an industry roundtable in Ikeja, Lagos, where stakeholders from academia, government and the private sector examined the widening disconnect between education and labour market demands.

According to the report, more than 55 per cent of Nigerian graduates are employed in roles unrelated to their field of study, highlighting a deep structural mismatch within the education system.

The report identified critical deficiencies in communication, teamwork, technical competence and digital literacy, noting that while employers increasingly prioritise practical experience and soft skills, these remain underdeveloped among graduates.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Proten International, Deborah Yemi-Oladayo, described the challenge as complex and multifaceted, stressing that curriculum reforms alone would not be sufficient to address the issue.

Yemi-Oladayo said lecturer capacity must also be strengthened to improve learning outcomes, questioning the level of investment in training educators.

“It’s not enough to expect lecturers to do magic. They can only give what they have,” she said, urging a more holistic approach to education reform.

She also called on students to take responsibility for their development by acquiring relevant skills outside formal academic settings, including through online learning platforms and self-driven initiatives.

In a similar vein, Harry Enabolo, founder of Treford Africa, emphasised the importance of hands-on experience, noting that real-world exposure remains one of the most effective ways to prepare for employment.

Enabolo encouraged undergraduates to pursue internships and engage with startups, arguing that early interaction with work environments significantly improves employability.

The roundtable, themed “Bridging the Skill Gap Between Education and Industry Needs in Nigeria,” underscored growing concerns among employers about the readiness of the country’s workforce.

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Experts at the event agreed that without urgent and coordinated reforms, the graduate skills gap in Nigeria could continue to widen, with implications for productivity, innovation and economic growth.