The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has rekindled hope for job-seeking graduates through its ‘Ibadan Employability Career Fair’, themed “Transforming the Future of Work, Skills, Innovation and Inclusion for a Resilient Workforce.”
Held in Ibadan, Oyo State, the event brought together employers, job seekers, and industry stakeholders to tackle Nigeria’s growing unemployment challenge by connecting qualified youths with potential employers and helping them acquire critical workplace skills.
Speaking at the event, NECA’s Director-General, Adewale Oyerinde, described the fair as part of the association’s broader Employability Project, designed to equip graduates with the practical knowledge, mindset, and confidence needed to secure and sustain meaningful employment.
“The labour market is not as friendly as it should be,” Oyerinde said. “Employers are constantly looking for the best hands, and many graduates are not adequately prepared for the demands of today’s workplaces. Through this fair, we are creating a platform for capacity development and employment linkage, bringing graduates closer to employers who are willing and ready to hire.”
He noted that the fair aligns with NECA’s long-term vision of fostering inclusive growth by bridging the skill gap between education and industry expectations.
According to him, the initiative complements the Federal Government’s drive to tackle youth unemployment and promote skills-based development across sectors.
The Ibadan Career Fair featured training sessions, mentorship opportunities, career talks, and on-the-spot interviews with leading companies in various industries. Participants were guided on workplace ethics, communication, and adaptability key qualities employers value in today’s evolving job market.
Chairperson of NECA’s Ibadan Geographical Group, Adenike Agiri, lamented that many young people are not being adequately empowered for leadership or the world of work, despite being regarded as the leaders of tomorrow.
“Our youths need an enabling environment to thrive,” Agiri said. “It’s not enough to tell them they are the leaders of tomorrow; we must equip them with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to take on those roles today.”
Several attendees expressed appreciation for the platform, describing it as timely and impactful, especially amid the country’s rising unemployment rate. Some participants reportedly received internship offers and interview invitations during the fair.
By hosting initiatives like the Employability Fair, NECA continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing Nigeria’s human capital, strengthening private-sector participation in job creation, and preparing young people to meet the demands of an ever-changing workforce.
