Tripoint Travels has unveiled the Tripoint Academy Internship Programme, a six-month initiative designed to address Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis by equipping graduates with practical business training and personal development skills.
The first cohort of seven interns graduated in Lagos over the weekend. Already, three have secured full-time jobs with Tripoint Travels, while others are under review by partner organisations.
Managing Director of Tripoint Travels and founder of Tripoint Academy, Shuhda Muhammed, explained that the programme was conceived to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace readiness.
“We need intrapreneurs in our organisations—employees who think like entrepreneurs—for us to grow, scale and thrive. One of the biggest challenges we face as entrepreneurs is employability. Many youths are educated but not job-ready,” Muhammed said in an email on Tuesday.
She described the initiative as “the start of a movement” that other organisations could adopt to confront Nigeria’s persistent skills gap.
“We’ve shown that it can work. Now imagine the impact on the economy if more companies across Nigeria adopt this approach,” she added.
Supporting the initiative, Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, said Tripoint’s model addresses one of the toughest problems for businesses: talent management.
“By equipping young people with practical skills, they are setting an example other organisations should follow,” he noted.
One of the graduates, Taiwo Fapohunda, shared his experience:
“It has been an eye-opener that has shifted me to become a better person. With the skills and confidence I have gained, I know I can grow and contribute meaningfully in the world of aviation and beyond.”
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, continues to struggle with high youth unemployment and underemployment, with millions of graduates unable to find suitable jobs. The National Bureau of Statistics places youth unemployment in double digits, a trend economists warn could stifle growth and fuel social unrest.
Tripoint Travels is urging entrepreneurs, corporates, and institutions to replicate similar initiatives to expand the pool of employable young Nigerians.
“This is just the beginning,” Muhammed said. “We hope to see this model scaled across industries to build a stronger workforce and reduce unemployment nationwide.”
