In a scathing critique of Nigeria’s higher education system, Mrs. Fola Ogunsola, renowned human resources development expert and founder of the Fola Ogunsola Foundation (FOF), has revealed that as much as 80 percent of Nigerian graduates are unemployable. This stark statistic was shared during an exclusive interview with AllAfrica News, where she outlined the dire consequences of poor personal development, skill gaps, and the mismatch between education and industry requirements.
According to Mrs. Ogunsola, the root cause of the problem lies in an educational system that prioritizes theoretical knowledge over practical, hands-on skills. While many graduates possess academic degrees, they often lack the competencies needed for real-world challenges — such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
“Our universities churn out thousands of graduates every year, but the truth is, most of them are not prepared for the workplace. They are walking into the job market without the necessary skills and, worse, without the attitude needed for growth,” she stated.
She also highlighted that many young Nigerians are overconfident in their qualifications and reluctant to start at the bottom, which makes them less likely to gain the experience needed to advance in their careers. “There is a culture of entitlement, where graduates feel that they should automatically land high-paying jobs just because they have degrees. But the reality is different,” Mrs. Ogunsola explained.
The Fola Ogunsola Foundation has been tackling these issues head-on by offering programs that focus on employability skills, entrepreneurship, and personal development. The foundation’s Finishing School and Life After School initiatives aim to bridge the skills gap by teaching graduates what is truly needed to thrive in a professional environment.
“We must stop blaming the system entirely. The solution lies in improving the preparedness of the youth. They need to invest in themselves, gain practical experience, and develop soft skills,” she added.
She further emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaboration, urging employers to play an active role in shaping the next generation of workers by offering internships, mentorships, and hands-on training programs.
The message was clear: without a shift in mindset and a commitment to self-improvement, Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis will continue to deepen. Mrs. Ogunsola closed by urging young Nigerians to take charge of their futures by focusing on continuous learning and personal growth.