Minister urges stronger focus on skills, says certificates no longer enough

Nigeria's Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has emphasized the critical need for practical skill acquisition among the nation's youth, asserting that academic certificates alone are no longer sufficient in the current labor market. Speaking at the opening of ARISE Youth Skills Week 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Olawande highlighted a concerning trend where many young Nigerians pursue higher education primarily to obtain degrees, neglecting the development of essential practical competencies required for employment.

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One of the things I have always emphasised is skill development. Certificates alone may not be what is needed.

"One of the things I have always emphasised is skill development. Certificates alone may not be what is needed," Olawande stated during Channels Television’s Youth Forum 2026. He pointed out that the focus on acquiring degrees without practical skills creates a significant "skill gap" that needs to be addressed at its root.

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You would discover that a lot of people going to school today are just going to school to become graduates. The skill gap should be addressed at the root of the matter.

The minister also voiced concerns about the unrealistic salary expectations held by some graduates. He attributed this phenomenon to inadequate career guidance and limited exposure to entrepreneurship and vocational training. Olawande recalled instances where young people expressed desires for salaries of ₦1 million to ₦3 million upon graduation, often intending to work in the civil service, underscoring the importance of skill development in shaping realistic career aspirations.

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I was watching before the programme (Channels Television’s Youth Forum 2026) started, and some youths were asked how much they would like to receive as a salary after graduation. I saw some say ₦1 and another say ₦3 million. When you ask them how they intend to earn that money, and they say through the civil service, then you understand why skill development is important.

While acknowledging access to education as a key challenge, Olawande commended the Federal Government's Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) initiative for expanding opportunities. He expressed optimism about the potential of Nigerian youths, believing they can contribute significantly to national development if properly engaged and equipped with the right skills.

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One of the major problems youths face in this country is access to education for those who genuinely want to be educated. NELFund is one initiative that has impacted Nigeria positively. No student should drop out of school again because he or she cannot afford to pay school fees.