In a strategic effort to reduce youth unemployment in Lagos State, King’s Trust International has partnered with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to host the Get Hired Recruitment Fair. Held recently in Lagos, the event aimed to bridge the gap between job-ready graduates and employers across key sectors.
The initiative, implemented by West African Vocational Education (WAVE), targets unemployed graduates by equipping them with critical soft skills, workplace behavior, and practical tools necessary for success in today’s competitive job market.
King’s Trust International’s Country Manager for Nigeria stated that the programme addresses one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges—youth unemployment—by focusing on both skills development and job placement. According to him, connecting employers to talent is as vital as preparing young people to fit into the workforce.
The fair attracted 22 employer partners, including Spurt, Edumark, Chow Noodles Bar, Ayoola Foods, and Alara Lagos, providing attendees with direct access to potential job opportunities and interviews.
Executive Secretary of LSETF highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing unemployment. She noted that the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to expanding access to economic opportunities by linking job seekers directly with employers.
Despite Nigeria’s unemployment rate being recorded at 4.2% in the second quarter of 2023, underemployment continues to affect large segments of the youth population. Many young people remain unable to secure meaningful work due to the absence of job-ready skills.
WAVE’s Program Lead for the ‘Get Hired’ project pointed out that while job openings exist, a lack of essential soft skills often prevents young candidates from meeting employer expectations. He emphasized that the initiative plays a vital role in closing that gap, helping graduates transition more effectively into the workforce.
The Get Hired Recruitment Fair stands as a practical example of how public-private partnerships can enhance youth employability and drive inclusive economic growth in Lagos and beyond.
