Edufirst, Jobminders seal pact on capacity development

To address issues of skills gap in the country, Education First Nigeria (Edufirst.ng) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Canadian-based organization, Jobminders Incorporated, to meet the needs of the Nigerian labour market.

The Co Founder, Edufirst.ng, Moses Imayi, said the partnership was also aimed at equipping the Nigerian youths deploying the use of technology to prepare them for a knowledge-based economy.

Imayi at the Mou signing ceremony added that the collaboration marks its first series of international partnerships focused on building capacity and developing the core skills that would be relevant to the future of Nigeria.

He noted that the partnership is apt considering the growing trend of job losses and skills gap in the Nigerian labour market, even as he pointed out that equipping the Nigerian youth is critical to addressing the unemployment situation in the country.

According to him, Edufirst.ng remains committed to ensuring these deficits are addressed and the Nigerian labour market becomes more vibrant adopting relevant skill set that resonates with the 21st century.

He added that the partnership would also bridge the skills gap present in the Nigerian labour market by providing a standardized curricular inclusive of digital skills training programmes that support capacity growth, establish an online virtual learning and mobile app, Edufirst TEK classes which would accommodate training programmes for fresh graduates, top level management and executives on core managerial skills.
In his words,” Edufirst.ng being a wholly indigenous organization believes that such a strategic partnership is key in repositioning the scope of the Nigerian graduate and making them globally competitive. Our core value as a business is focused on creating value, providing an opportunity for growth and developing capacity.”

The partnership which is worth $1 million is expected to strengthen business collaboration between Nigeria and Canada in bridging the skill gap prevalent in the country over the next five years.

“Our partners Jobminders Incorporated being a Canadian based organization, has over the years remained committed to providing and enhancing the skill set aimed at improving capacity. They have also over the years placed exceptional individuals in Accounting and Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, Industrial and skilled trade and health care,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Vice president, Jobminders, Charles Osazuwa, explained that the partnership would provide different kind of skill set for the Nigerian youths to make them competitive at the global market.

He lamented over the huge employment opportunities wasting away and being taken up by expatriates, saying that the times is now to equip the Nigerian youths with requisite knowledge and skills needed in a knowledge based economy.

“There are lots of jobs currently being outsourced and Nigeria seem to be left out. Information and Technology (IT) has moved on and we need to be part of the revolution,” he said.