Expert advocates early career guidance to bridge skills gap in Nigeria
Secondary school students have been encouraged to make early, well-informed decisions about their career paths as critical to tackling youth unemployment and the skills mismatch in Nigeria’s labour market. A
- By Dele Anofi, Abuja
Secondary school students have been encouraged to make early, well-informed decisions about their career paths as critical to tackling youth unemployment and the skills mismatch in Nigeria's labour market.
A career coach, Dr. Abiodun Ipadeola, gave the advice on Thursday during a “Pep Talk on Early Career Choices and Decision Making” session for senior secondary students of Government Secondary School, Mabushi, Abuja.
The event formed part of the activities marking her 40th birthday.
Ipadeola highlighted early career guidance as an important strategy for developing human capital and supporting sustainable national growth.
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She noted that available data put Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at about 5.05 per cent in 2024, based on international labour estimates, while underemployment and informal work remain widespread.
Citing further findings from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), she said many graduates lack practical, industry-relevant skills, pointing to a gap between what is taught in schools and what the labour market requires.
Against this backdrop, she said early career guidance is necessary to help young people align their strengths, interests, and abilities with the needs of the workforce.
She observed that many students choose careers due to peer influence or societal expectations, which can result in frustration, unemployment, or underemployment later in life.
“The decisions students make at this stage shape their future. Early clarity gives them confidence and direction, while wrong choices can lead to confusion, wasted resources, and delayed productivity,” she said.
Ipadeola explained that career options are generally grouped into arts, commercial, and science fields, each with specific subject requirements and skill demands.
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She also called on government and education stakeholders to incorporate structured career guidance into the secondary school curriculum, noting that this would help close the gap between education and labour market needs.
“There is a disconnect between what students study and what the economy requires.
“Introducing career counselling early in schools will help students make informed decisions and build relevant skills,” she said.
She further advised students to consider entrepreneurship and technical skills such as fashion designing, photography, and catering, describing them as viable options in Nigeria’s changing job market.
She added that strengthening vocational and digital skills would reduce reliance on white-collar employment.
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Some students at the session said the programme gave them a better understanding of their future career options.
One participant said it broadened her awareness of opportunities beyond traditional careers, such as medicine and law.
Stakeholders at the event said improving access to career guidance, mentorship, and skills development initiatives would help prepare young Nigerians for the future of work.
They also urged closer collaboration among the government, schools, and the private sector to equip students with relevant skills.
