Hundreds of young Nigerians converged in Ibadan on Friday as Mastercard and Jobberman hosted a career fair aimed at connecting employers with job seekers and addressing the country’s unemployment challenge.
The event brought together recruiters, business owners, policy stakeholders, and job seekers for on-the-spot interviews, CV reviews, career counselling, and networking sessions.
Ms. Innih Ikhide, Head of Youth Engagement, Nigeria at Mastercard, said the fair was designed to provide young people with both skills and visibility in the labour market.
“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.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Unlocking Inclusive Opportunities for Talent and Thriving Enterprises,” Mr. Olugbenga Omotola urged employers to shift their hiring focus from certificates to competence.
“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.
Mr. Olamide Adeyeye, Country Head of Programmes at Jobberman Nigeria, identified access—not talent—as the primary barrier in the labour market, describing it as a “visibility gap” affecting both employers and job seekers.
“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 noted that success for the organisers extends beyond attendance.
“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 highlighted the programme’s inclusive design, with provisions for women, persons with disabilities, and other underserved groups, including virtual access and childcare support for nursing mothers.
Mr. Oke Adegboye, Director at the National Directorate of Employment, said such private-sector-led initiatives complement government efforts to reduce unemployment and improve workforce productivity.
During a panel session titled “Future-Ready and Employable: Skills, Strategies and Pathways to Work,” speakers stressed that employers now prioritise problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence alongside technical skills.
Mr. Alfred Atiba, Founder of TDC Group, told participants that character and discipline are as important as technical expertise.
“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.
Ms. Mfonobong Eshett, a human resource expert and Founder of AuntyHR, observed that many job seekers struggle to demonstrate initiative.
“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.
Ms. Judith Abi, Country Operations Manager at Cenoa Nigeria, emphasised the importance of networks in today’s job market.
“In today’s world, opportunities often come from who you connect with. Collaboration is key to growth, both for individuals and organisations,” she said.
Ms. Toluwanimi Olubanke, Product Marketing Manager at Esusurent, advised job seekers to remain current and self-aware.
“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.
Organisers said the fair is a direct response to Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis, which data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates remains consistently higher than the national average, exacerbated by skills mismatches and limited access to opportunities for graduates in underserved communities.
