In an era where global economies thrive on knowledge and innovation, skills and learning development have become more than just educational priorities; they are critical drivers of inclusion and socio-economic transformation. In Nigeria, where youth unemployment, gender disparities, and educational gaps persist, equipping individuals with relevant skills can pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
For Nigeria to achieve sustainable economic growth and social equity, learning must go beyond traditional education and focus on practical, market-relevant skills that empower individuals—especially women, children, and marginalized groups.
Fatima, a bright 17-year-old girl, sat outside her family’s small shop, watching customers come and go. She had dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, yet societal expectations and limited access to education had restricted her opportunities. Without the right skills, her ambitions felt like distant stars, beautiful but unreachable.
Meanwhile, Chidi, a talented young man from a poor neighborhood, faced a different challenge. Despite his passion for technology, he lacked the digital skills needed to secure a well-paying job. Each rejection email felt like an additional barrier to his future.
What if Fatima had access to vocational training in business management? What if Chidi could enroll in a digital skills program that prepared him for the booming global tech industry?
Skills as a Catalyst for Inclusion
Traditional education is important, but without practical, marketable skills, many Nigerians struggle to find opportunities. Skills training bridges the gap, ensuring that people like Fatima and Chidi can compete, contribute, and thrive. For women and girls, vocational skills in tailoring, baking, digital marketing, and STEM can break gender barriers. Tech skills like coding, graphic design, and AI can create new job pathways for youths and the unemployed. Inclusive learning programs for remote work, soft skills, and specialized trades ensure no one is left behind.
We must empower all citizens, not just a privileged few. Skills training provides job opportunities, making individuals more likely to find employment or become entrepreneurs. People gain financial independence, reducing reliance on social aid and promoting self-sufficiency, which in turn stimulates economic growth. A skilled workforce attracts investment and innovation, boosting national progress.
Strategic Skill Areas for Inclusive Development
- Digital and technological skills.
Digital literacy is no longer optional; it is essential for employment, entrepreneurship, and global participation. Expanding STEM opportunities for women and youth will enhance inclusion in Nigeria’s tech-driven economy. Critical areas include coding, cybersecurity, AI, data science, and digital marketing.
- Vocational and Technical Training
Vocational training offers alternative career pathways, especially for individuals who do not thrive in traditional academic settings. Key skills that can be promoted include fashion design, carpentry, welding, automobile repairs, beauty therapy, and agriculture.
- Financial and Entrepreneurial Literacy
Many small businesses fail due to poor financial management. Training in finance and business strategy is essential to the survival of MSMEs in Nigeria and Africa. Financial and entrepreneurial literacy skill areas include budgeting, investment, savings, business planning, and social enterprise management.
- Soft skills and leadership development.
Professional success is not just about technical skills; emotional intelligence and leadership are equally important. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, negotiation, and public speaking are critical and powerful skills for any working professional to thrive.
Nigeria in the Expanding Gig Economy
The gig economy in Africa is expanding at an average rate of 20% annually and is projected to encompass 80 million gig workers by 2030. In 2023, Nigeria, along with Kenya and South Africa, accounted for approximately 17.5 million online gig workers, representing 80.6% of internet traffic to online gig platforms from Sub-Saharan Africa. In a rapidly evolving job market, upskilling and reskilling will ensure that Nigerian workers remain competitive globally. More Nigerians will be able to tap into the global job market to seek opportunities.
Education and skill development provide pathways out of poverty, ensuring that disadvantaged communities gain access to better opportunities. Equipping individuals with technical, vocational, and digital skills increases their employability and entrepreneurship potential, reducing poverty and inequality. Investing in STEM education, vocational training, and leadership skills for women breaks societal barriers and enhances their participation in the workforce. A skilled and knowledgeable population drives economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Strategies for Accelerating Skills Development for Inclusion
Government & Policy Initiatives:
The government needs to strengthen the implementation of policies that integrate digital skills and vocational training into national education. The marginalised communities also need scholarships, grants, and incentives to access quality learning opportunities.
Private Sector Involvement
Companies should partner with educational institutions to design and sponsor job-ready training programs and offer internships, mentoring, and on-the-job training to improve workforce readiness.
Community & NGO-Led Programs
NGOs can play a key role in delivering grassroots skills training, particularly for women and children. NGOs can coordinate community-driven learning hubs to provide accessible education in rural areas.
Technology & E-Learning Solutions
Institutions, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to sponsor digital platforms that offer remote learning and self-paced skill development. We encourage youths and the working-age category to utilize free educational resources such as Khan Academy, Coursera, and Google Digital Skills for Africa. Data access and sponsorship can be made available to these categories of people.
The NESG Academy Initiative: One Community at a Time
The NESG Academy encourages active citizenship by fostering community participation for peaceful cohabitation and mental wellness, one community at a time. With civic education, we aim to cultivate a society where individuals understand their role in fostering mental well-being, not just for themselves, but for their communities as a whole. By investing in small groups or individuals in various ways, we sensitize individuals to engage in community service. No effort is too small in community service.
Building an Inclusive Future for Nigeria
For Nigeria to achieve true socio-economic transformation, learning must evolve beyond traditional schooling. By equipping individuals with practical, high-impact skills, we can foster inclusion, economic empowerment, and national growth.
Investing in skills development is investing in Nigeria’s future. A well-trained, knowledgeable population will drive innovation, enhance productivity, and reduce inequalities, creating a prosperous nation where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
As Fatima and Chidi’s stories show, education alone isn’t enough; we need practical, market-driven skills development to drive real inclusion. When we equip individuals with the right skills, we empower them to change their own lives, uplift their communities, and contribute to Nigeria’s progress.
An inclusive Nigeria is not just about providing opportunities; it’s about creating them.
Gbemi Ibrahim is the Head of Workforce Management and Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)
