News
ITF Decries Lack of Skills to Fill over 900 Tech, ICT Jobs
In spite of Nigeria’s high unemployment rate, about 925 technical and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) jobs have been difficult to fill, according to Joseph Ari, director-general, Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
Ari said a major challenge for government has been the dearth of Nigerians with requisite skills even when the National Skills Gap Assessment (NSGA) created openings in six priority sectors of the economy conducted by the ITF in collaboration with the united Nation’s Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
He stressed that the survey and others conducted by several organisations attributed the shortfall to a mismatch between labour supply and requirements of the job market.
Ari disclosed this in his welcome address at the 14th Biennial Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) National Conference in Abuja, saying: “The SIWES was initiated to provide students of engineering, technical and allied disciplines with practical experience of real work situations they are likely to find after graduation, among other objectives.
“It emerged in response to the growing concerns among employers of labour that graduates of tertiary institutions lacked adequate practical knowledge.”
Commenting on the theme of the conference titled: “Implementation of The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme in the New World Order: Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders,” Ari challenged the participants to seek ways of addressing skills mismatch through the SIWES.
Prof. Seddid Maimako, chairman of the occasion and vice chancellor, University of Jos, said more attention should be paid to practical teaching than theory in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
His words: “The best way to reduce unemployment in Nigeria is to focus more on practical aspects of education than the theory aspects. We must de-emphasise theory and give room for practical studies, graduates should endeavour to prove themselves in areas outside their specialty to improve their lives. The new world order requires new skills for citizens to grapple with unemployment, we need to look at our employment trends of skills match for our people.”
He added that most students continued to register for newly introduced skills and courses aimed at getting jobs as soon as they complete their studies in the university.
Declaring the conference open, Richard Niyi Adebayo, minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the conference was relevant not only for the survival of SIWES, but its resolutions would reduce unemployment, which he said, remained a priority of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
“The Federal Government initiated the ease of doing business, special intervention programmes and cash injections into several sectors grow the economy and create jobs for Nigerians and indeed, unemployment was reducing until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“However, government discovered the fact that some of the vacancies created could not be filled for reasons earlier cited by the Director-General of the ITF.”
He lamented that the nation’s educational system was not producing graduates in the required disciplines for the economy or were training people without employable skills, adding: “Either way, SIWES has a vital role in bridging the gap.”
Adebayo urged the participants to generate foolproof recommendations not only for effective management of SIWES, but also capable of addressing the skills mismatch.
He pledged that the ministry would work with relevant government agencies to ensure adequate funding of the scheme, taking into cognisance its usefulness and importance for the training of indigenous manpower.
The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria
In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
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