Nigeria’s youth employment challenge is not simply about the number of available jobs, but also whether young people possess the skills required to succeed in a rapidly changing workplace, according to Samantha Ifezulike, Head of Operations, Jobberman Nigeria.
Speaking on International Youth Day, Ifezulike said Nigeria faces a mismatch between its large pool of young talent and the capacity of businesses to absorb them. She noted that many graduates enter the labour market without the practical and soft skills increasingly demanded by employers.
However, Ifezulike rejected the notion that Nigerian youths are generally unemployable, arguing that the bigger issue is investment, exposure and skills development. “Nigerian youths are employable. We just need to invest in them,” she said.
According to her, employers are increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications when assessing entry-level candidates. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability have become critical attributes for young professionals seeking to establish themselves in the workplace.
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She said the rise of artificial intelligence has made adaptability even more important, as professionals across different sectors are now expected to understand and apply emerging technologies to their work.
Ifezulike also urged young people to look beyond academic qualifications as their only pathway to employment. She said multiple degrees do not necessarily demonstrate an individual’s ability to solve workplace problems, stressing that employers increasingly value candidates who can apply knowledge to real-world situations.
For young people struggling to secure their first jobs, she recommended internships, volunteering and other opportunities that provide practical exposure. She shared her own experience of securing her first job through NYSC despite studying History and International Relations and initially intending to pursue a career in diplomacy.
According to her, young people should remain open to opportunities outside their original academic plans and use every experience to develop transferable skills that can strengthen their careers.
Ifezulike also encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of free soft-skills training, online educational resources and professional development opportunities. She recommended conducting a personal SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas where individuals can build a competitive advantage.
Beyond acquiring skills, she urged young people to take greater ownership of their careers by approaching professionals, organisations and potential mentors for opportunities. “Take your career very personal,” she said, encouraging young Nigerians to develop clear career plans rather than waiting passively for employment.
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On the growing use of AI-generated CVs, Ifezulike described artificial intelligence as an enabler rather than a threat. She said candidates can use AI to improve their applications but must be able to demonstrate the skills and experience presented in their CVs during interviews.
She argued that the changing workplace requires continuous adaptation, warning that young professionals who refuse to embrace new technologies risk being left behind. “You either adapt again, accept it or you perish,” she said.
Ifezulike’s position places greater emphasis on closing the gap between education and employment, with responsibility shared among young people, employers and institutions. For Nigeria’s growing youth population, she said, improving employability will require more than academic certificates; it will require practical experience, continuous learning, adaptability and greater investment in young talent.
