Private sector stakeholders have intensified efforts to address Nigeria’s widening gap between academic qualifications and workplace readiness, with 60 young people trained in practical and entrepreneurial skills in Ibadan.
The capacity-building programme was delivered under the Skill-Up Ibadan 2.0 initiative, organised by Ogbeni Labzy Alternative in partnership with the Tegbe Foundation, as part of broader efforts to strengthen workforce preparedness and human capital development.
Held over two weeks, the intensive training brought together young professionals for hands-on learning designed to equip them with market-relevant competencies required to compete in an increasingly demanding labour market.
Facilitated by industry practitioners, the programme combined technical instruction with essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship—reflecting the growing consensus that employability extends beyond academic credentials.
Convener of Ogbeni Labzy Alternative, Adeola Adelabu, said the initiative was conceived as a targeted intervention to tackle the persistent skills deficit among Nigerian youth entering the workforce.
He explained that the programme was structured to expose participants to practical tools and industry-relevant knowledge capable of enhancing their employability or enabling them to create sustainable livelihoods.
Adelabu added that the initiative underscores the increasing role of private sector organisations and philanthropic institutions in driving youth empowerment and workforce development across the country.
The programme was organised to commemorate the 60th birthday of Joseph Tegbe, whose foundation has supported several youth-focused interventions.
Other partners, including Sebs Hub, SkillNG, and SchoolNowNow, contributed to the programme’s design, facilitation, and provision of learning resources.
Participants who completed the training reported significant improvements in their technical capabilities, enhanced soft skills, and increased confidence to pursue career opportunities despite prevailing economic challenges.
In a goodwill message, Executive Director of the Tegbe Foundation, Femi Adeleke, commended the organisers and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people and improve workforce readiness.
He emphasised that sustained investment in skills development is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s demographic potential and enabling young people to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
Additional remarks by Olajumoke Adelabu and Ibrahim Oredola highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in expanding access to skills development opportunities for Nigerian youth.
Certificates were presented to participants at the end of the programme, with outstanding trainees and contributors receiving special recognition.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that scaling initiatives such as Skill-Up Ibadan would help close the skills gap in Nigeria’s labour market while strengthening the country’s human capital base.
