Why many Nigerian youths are not employable – Expert

Nigeria’s large youth population is facing a hidden problem that threatens the nation’s economic future.

According to the CEO of the Career Quest Foundation, Femi Odebode, the real challenge is not just the lack of jobs but the lack of skills and emotional intelligence among many young people.

Odebode explained that more than 80% of Nigerians do not have the basic skills needed for today’s workplace. This has led to a cycle where many skilled professionals leave the country to work abroad, making the situation worse at home.

He noted that while official unemployment numbers may suggest a different story, the truth is that Nigeria is full of young people without jobs, yet many industries are struggling to find skilled workers.

“The problem is not only a skills gap,” Odebode said. “It is also a culture where wrongdoing often goes unpunished. This pushes people to chase quick money through illegal means instead of working hard to build expertise. Over time, this attitude damages society and reduces productivity.”

He also pointed to the education system as a major cause of the problem. There is a big gap between what students are taught in schools and what companies actually need. As a result, some businesses are forced to hire foreign workers, which drains money from Nigeria’s economy.

The Career Quest Foundation is calling for major changes. It wants schools to focus more on vocational and technical training that matches market needs. It also supports reforms in the legal system to ensure justice is quick and fair.

At the community level, the foundation is promoting practical training, fair wages, and health insurance to make skilled work more attractive.

“Nigeria’s future depends on how we value skilled labour today,” Odebode said. “We must act now to strengthen our workforce and stop the loss of talent. Supporting organizations like ours is not just charity — it is an investment in Nigeria’s progress.”