Nigeria's Talent Challenge: An Opportunity Deficit, Says Presidential Aide
Mr. Akubo Adegbe, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, has asserted that Nigeria's primary obstacle is not a lack of talent among its youth but rather a scarcity of opportunities for them to develop and demonstrate their abilities. He made this statement during an event in Abuja.
The official emphasized that the Federal Government is dedicated to creating avenues for young Nigerians through strategic collaborations with government agencies, employers, and development organizations. This commitment was highlighted at the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 Nasarawa Employer and Fellow Engagement, held at the headquarters of the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) in Lafia.
The gathering brought together employers, government representatives, development partners, and young professionals to enhance workforce development, increase employer participation, and expedite fellowship placements across Nasarawa State.
Adegbe stated, "Nigeria does not have a talent deficit; it has an opportunity deficit. Across Nasarawa State and indeed across the country, there are talented young people with the intelligence, creativity, and determination to succeed. What many need is access to opportunity, workplace experience, professional networks, and the confidence that comes from being trusted to contribute. Programmes such as NJFP help bridge that gap and demonstrate what is possible when government, employers, and development partners work together to invest in human capital and economic growth."
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a Federal Government initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It aims to address youth unemployment and underemployment by linking talented Nigerian graduates with structured workplace opportunities that offer practical experience, skills development, coaching, and mentoring.
Nigeria faces a significant workforce transition challenge, with over 600,000 graduates entering the labour market annually, while many employers report persistent gaps in workplace readiness. Through state-level engagements like this, NJFP is helping to bridge the gap between education and employment by creating stronger connections between employers and young talent.
Clare Henshaw, Head of the Inclusive Growth Unit at UNDP Nigeria and NJFP Programme Lead, underscored the importance of strengthening local workforce ecosystems through collaboration. She said, "Workforce development happens where opportunity meets talent. This engagement provides a platform for employers and fellows to connect directly, discuss workforce needs, and identify pathways for placement, mentorship, and professional growth. Our goal is to ensure that talented young Nigerians have access to meaningful opportunities while helping employers build the workforce they need to grow and succeed."
Mr. Haruna Sani Sani, Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), also spoke at the event, commending the programme's impact on both the agency and the state's broader development agenda. He noted, "The Government of Nasarawa State remains committed to creating opportunities that enable our young people to thrive. Through our participation in the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, we have witnessed firsthand the value that fellows bring to public institutions. Their innovation, professionalism, digital skills, and fresh perspectives have contributed meaningfully to our work and strengthened our capacity to deliver results. We look forward to expanding these opportunities and continuing our partnership with NJFP to empower more young people across the state."
