We made a decision that we will no longer hire from any other place than Nigeria, said Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO of Moniepoint. The company struggles to fill about 500 job openings due to a shortage of qualified talent in Nigeria.
Eniolorunda noted that the quality of available candidates does not meet global standards. He expressed concern about the growing appeal of internet fraud among Nigerian youths. The CEO pointed out that many young people see quick money as an attractive alternative.
He attributed the talent gap to structural issues within Nigeria’s education system and changing societal values. Eniolorunda identified the migration of skilled professionals, often referred to as “japa,” as a significant factor contributing to this shortage.
Key factors contributing to the talent shortage:
- The quality of candidates does not align with global expectations.
- Structural issues in the Nigerian education system hinder workforce readiness.
- Societal values have shifted, influencing career choices among youth.
- The trend of skilled professionals leaving the country exacerbates the issue.
Eniolorunda emphasized the need for investment in human capital development to effectively address this talent gap. His remarks were made during an event called The Platform Nigeria, which focuses on national development initiatives.
The level that people are reasoning in this country is not as high as it used to be, he remarked. This statement underscores the urgency for educational reform and better preparation for young professionals entering the job market.
In a country of over 200 million people, there are many alternatives to becoming a ‘big boy’ or chasing quick money, he added. This highlights the potential for change if proper guidance and opportunities are provided.