‘Aesthetics industry can provide jobs for millions of Nigerians’

Despite the effects of the pandemic on the aesthetics and wellness industry, Nigeria still retains its place as the second biggest market in Africa, valued at almost £2 billion.

According to industry experts, the sector will explode even more in the coming years, offering global employment opportunities for many Nigerians.

Head of School, Laserderm Aesthetics Academy, Omotoke Sikaiye, who revealed that the industry is a growing one, which Nigeria is yet to tap its full potential, said there are so many opportunities for job seekers in the industry for aestheticians, as they can work in large-chain hotels, clinics, medical spas or even as freelancers both home and abroad.

“The industry is still largely unregulated in Nigeria but there are so many places they can work or even teach if they want to. It’s also a big industry outside Nigeria and aestheticians earn very well there as well. It is a huge niche begging to be filled with the right people,” she said.

Speaking at the Learners’ open day, Sikaiye said the academy offers comprehensive training in the field, guaranteed to give students a competitive edge globally. She went on to add that faculty members are readily available and accessible to learners extensively, to ensure they excel in their chosen line of study and are globally adaptable to practice anywhere in the world.

COO of the Laserderm Group which comprises of Laserderm Clinics, Laserderm Aesthetics Academy and Image West Africa, Omolade Olatawura, added that the industry is on a steady rise with increasing awareness, acceptance and demand for non-invasive aesthetic procedures by Nigerians, who are now more attentive to the appearance and general disposition to aesthetics.

She added that this increased awareness in the industry has resulted in an acute shortage of skilled professionals and limited availability of reputable, internationally accredited centers that offer professional certification.

She went on to say that the option of aspiring medical aestheticians looking for certification and training outside the country could also be achieved locally. “We are currently bridging this gap with our internationally accredited and professional aesthetics institution here in Nigeria.

We present a great environment where students can access tools and resources valuable to their learning and growth. Licensed and accredited by ITEC, Aesthetics Accreditation International- (AAI) and partners with the British Medical Laser Association, Oracle, Pastiche and RPA 2000, we want to change Nigerian’s lives, one aesthetician at a time.”