Firms host career fair in Oyo

Mastercard, in partnership with Jobberman, on Friday hosted a Career Fair in Ibadan, Oyo State, aimed at bridging the widening gap between job seekers and employers in Nigeria, as the country’s persistent unemployment challenge came under renewed scrutiny.

Speaking during the opening session, the Head of Youth Engagement, Nigeria at Mastercard, Innih Ikhide, said the initiative was designed to create a more inclusive employment ecosystem where young people are equipped with the tools, exposure, and networks needed to thrive.

“We recognise that beyond skills, access remains a major barrier for many young Nigerians. This platform is about ensuring that young people are not just prepared, but also visible to the opportunities that exist,” she said.

In his keynote address titled “Unlocking Inclusive Opportunities for Talent and Thriving Enterprises,” Olugbenga Omotola urged employers across Nigeria to rethink their hiring priorities, saying over-reliance on academic qualifications continues to exclude capable candidates.

“Employers must begin to look beyond certificates and focus on potential, adaptability, and the willingness to grow. If we are serious about building a competitive workforce, then we must invest in people, not just credentials,” he said.

The Country Head of Programmes at Jobberman Nigeria, Olamide Adeyeye, identified what he described as a “visibility gap” as one of the most critical challenges confronting both job seekers and employers in Nigeria.

“The fundamental gap we are trying to close is the visibility gap. Many young people do not lack talent or competence; they simply do not have access to the right opportunities. At the same time, employers struggle to find the right people to drive their businesses. What we are doing here is bringing both sides into the same room to enable real connections,” he said.

Adeyeye said the career fair was structured to deliver both immediate and long-term outcomes, including on-the-spot interviews, career counselling, CV reviews, and networking opportunities.

“Success for us is not just attendance. It is about someone leaving here with an interview, an employer finding the right hire, or even new business relationships being formed that can drive growth. Ultimately, it is about contributing to Nigeria’s social and economic development,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of inclusivity, noting that the programme deliberately accommodated women, persons with disabilities and other underserved groups, including through virtual participation and childcare support for nursing mothers.

The Director at the National Directorate of Employment, Oke Adegboye, said initiatives like the career fair complement government efforts to reduce unemployment and enhance workforce productivity.

A panel discussion themed “Future-Ready and Employable: Skills, Strategies and Pathways to Work” further examined the competencies required for success in a rapidly evolving job market.

Founder of TDC Group, Alfred Atiba, said employers are increasingly prioritising problem-solving ability, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence over technical knowledge alone.

“The question every young person must ask is: What problem can I solve? Technical knowledge is important, but character, discipline, and the ability to think critically are what set candidates apart,” he said.

Human resource expert and founder of AuntyHR, Mfonobong Eshett, pointed to a recurring gap among job seekers.

“Many candidates lack the ability to show initiative. You must invest time in learning, build your skills intentionally, and learn how to pitch yourself effectively to employers,” she said.

Country Operations Manager at Cenoa Nigeria, Judith Abi, highlighted the importance of professional networks, saying: “In today’s world, opportunities often come from who you connect with. Collaboration is key to growth, both for individuals and organisations.”

Product Marketing Manager at Esusurent, Toluwanimi Olubanke, encouraged participants to develop self-awareness and stay informed about industry trends.

“You need to understand your strengths, do proper research, and continuously update your skills. The job market is evolving, and you must evolve with it,” she said.

The event brought together hundreds of young Nigerians, recruiters, business owners, and policy stakeholders in what organisers described as a deliberate intervention to address structural issues within the country’s labour market.

Nigeria faces one of the most severe youth unemployment crises in Africa.

The National Bureau of Statistics has, in various reports, estimated Nigeria’s unemployment rate at significant levels, with youth unemployment consistently higher than the national average.

The challenge is compounded by a rapidly growing working-age population, a skills mismatch between what educational institutions produce and what employers demand, and limited access to opportunities for graduates in underserved communities.