The Get Hired Recruitment Fair, a collaborative effort between King’s Trust International and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), emerged as a beacon of hope in addressing the pervasive challenge of youth unemployment in Lagos State, Nigeria. This initiative, implemented by West African Vocational Education (WAVE), recognizes the critical need to equip young graduates with the essential soft skills and practical tools required to thrive in today’s competitive job market. The fair served as a vital link between job-ready graduates and employers across diverse sectors, striving to bridge the gap between available jobs and qualified candidates. Recognizing the severity of unemployment, particularly among Nigerian youth, the organizers aimed to empower young individuals with the necessary skills to secure meaningful employment and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
The recruitment fair attracted significant participation from 22 employer partners, representing various industries and sectors. This diverse representation demonstrates the commitment of businesses in Lagos State to collaborate in addressing the unemployment challenge and actively seeking out skilled and talented individuals. Companies such as Spurt, Edumark, Chow Noodles Bar, Ayoola Foods, and Alara Lagos, among others, recognized the value of engaging directly with potential employees and contributing to the development of a robust workforce. The presence of these employers underscores the significance of the Get Hired initiative in creating tangible opportunities for young graduates and fostering a stronger connection between education and employment.
Damilola Sotuminu, the Country Manager for Nigeria at King’s Trust International, articulated the organization’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment. Recognizing the pervasive nature of this challenge in Nigeria, King’s Trust International emphasizes the importance of equipping young people with the right skills to succeed in the job market. By partnering with LSETF and WAVE, they aim to provide a comprehensive platform for young graduates to connect with potential employers and gain access to valuable resources and training. This collaborative approach highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing complex social issues and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.
Feyisayo Alayande, the Executive Secretary of LSETF, echoed the significance of the partnership, emphasizing its alignment with LSETF’s mission to combat unemployment in Lagos State. By facilitating direct connections between young job seekers and employers, the Get Hired Recruitment Fair provides a crucial pathway to economic opportunities. This initiative aligns with LSETF’s broader strategy of investing in human capital and creating a vibrant and sustainable economy. The collaboration between King’s Trust International, LSETF, and WAVE underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing systemic challenges and fostering economic empowerment for young people.
The urgency of addressing youth unemployment is underscored by the statistics provided by the National Bureau of Statistics. While the official unemployment rate in Nigeria stood at 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2023, the issue of underemployment remains a significant concern. Many young Nigerians, despite possessing degrees or other qualifications, struggle to find meaningful work that aligns with their skills and aspirations. This disparity highlights the critical need for initiatives like the Get Hired Recruitment Fair, which focus on bridging the skills gap and equipping young people with the practical tools and soft skills demanded by employers.
Christian Adegor, the Program Lead for the Get Hired project at WAVE, shed light on the disconnect between available jobs and the skills possessed by many job seekers. Adegor pointed out that while numerous job openings exist, employers often face difficulty in finding candidates with the necessary soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. The Get Hired initiative directly addresses this gap by providing targeted training and development programs that equip graduates with the essential skills and workplace behaviors expected by employers. This focus on soft skills development complements traditional academic qualifications and enhances the employability of young graduates, increasing their chances of securing fulfilling and productive careers.
