Experts have called for a shift from certificate-driven education to skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria.

The call was made on Tuesday during the Adeboruwa coronation public lecture and education intervention held in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, as part of the activities to mark the 10th coronation anniversary of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom.

The event, themed “Curbing the Menace of Unemployment: Causes, Effects and Solutions,” brought together government officials, students, education stakeholders and traditional leaders to discuss practical solutions to unemployment.

ICT equipment was also presented to six senior secondary schools in Igbogbo to strengthen digital learning.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs Ololade Olasupo Aina, who was represented by Demilade Shitta, said the labour market had changed significantly, with employers placing greater value on problem-solving abilities than academic qualifications alone.

According to her, while Nigeria faces economic challenges, the country’s greatest problem is the shortage of job-ready and value-creating young people who possess the skills that businesses require.

Aina, therefore, urged young people to develop skills that machines would find difficult to replace.

She said government alone could not solve unemployment, stressing that industries should create opportunities for young people through partnerships, while educational institutions should review their curricula to reflect the realities of the modern workplace.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged families to support innovation and entrepreneurship rather than limiting young people to conventional career paths.

Also speaking, the representative of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Peter Ayobami Ookanola, encouraged students to see entrepreneurship as a viable career path rather than depending solely on paid employment.

He said the agency supports entrepreneurs through affordable financing, business development training, mentorship, networking opportunities and access to markets.

Ookanola said that LSETF provides loans at a nine per cent yearly interest rate and urged young people to begin developing business ideas from an early age.

He added that beyond access to finance, practical skills and continuous learning were critical to succeeding in today’s economy.

According to him, schools can also partner with LSETF to provide entrepreneurship and business development training for students, enabling them to acquire practical skills before leaving school.

However, speakers at the event urged young people to embrace lifelong learning, acquire relevant skills and focus on creating value, noting that these qualities would better prepare them for the evolving world of work.