Kaduna State Partners with Jobberman to Tackle Youth Unemployment Through Skills Acquisition
Table of Contents
- 1. Kaduna State Partners with Jobberman to Tackle Youth Unemployment Through Skills Acquisition
- 2. Government and Private Sector Collaboration
- 3. The Jobberman Career Fair: A Bridge to Employment
- 4. Commitment from Employers and Training Providers
- 5. Kaduna State’s Long-Term Vision
- 6. addressing Youth Unemployment: A Collaborative Approach
- 7. Additional Insights and Analysis
- 8. Potential Counterarguments and Criticisms
- 9. Conclusion
- 10. What strategies or best practices are you adopting from global examples to enhance the Jobberman initiative in Kaduna State?
- 11. archyde Interview: Kaduna State’s Initiative to Combat Youth Unemployment with Mrs. Aisha Bello,CEO of Jobberman Nigeria
Kaduna State is actively addressing youth unemployment by partnering with Jobberman and other private
sector organizations. The initiatives include skills acquisition programs and career fairs aimed at
connecting young people with job opportunities.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
The Kaduna State Government is intensifying its efforts to combat youth unemployment through a
strategic collaboration with Jobberman, a leading career platform in Africa, and other private
sector entities. This partnership focuses on equipping young people with the necessary skills and
creating job opportunities to foster economic growth within the state.
Mrs. Patience Fakai, the State Commissioner of Business Innovation and Technology, highlighted the
critical need for integrated youth employment strategies at the 2025 edition of the
Jobberman Career
Fair in Kaduna. Fakai stated, “it is imperative to think critically on developing integrated
youth employment strategies that addresses job creation and helps youth transition into reputable
and decent work roles.”
This collaboration mirrors similar public-private partnerships seen in the United States, such as
the collaborations between community colleges and local businesses to develop vocational training
programs tailored to regional industry needs. These partnerships often receive federal funding
through initiatives like the workforce Innovation and opportunity Act (WIOA),demonstrating a
concerted effort to align education and training with employment opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has also been instrumental in fostering partnerships
between businesses and educational institutions to address skills gaps and prepare students for the
workforce.These types of initiatives provide a framework for how collaborative efforts can lead
to meaningful employment outcomes.
The Jobberman Career Fair: A Bridge to Employment
The Jobberman Career Fair serves as a pivotal platform connecting job seekers with potential
employers. Mrs. fakai emphasized the importance of this event,stating that it “reflects a
powerful partnership between government,the private sector,and educational institutions aimed at
empowering our youth and supporting our economic ambitions.”
The maiden edition of the Career Fair, held on November 23, 2023, achieved notable success,
with “a total of 1,496 unemployed youth with 71 representatives of employers of labor in
attendance,” according to Mrs. Fakai. Impressively, “over 300 job placements have been secured to
date and still counting,” demonstrating the immediate impact of the initiative.
The 2025 edition, themed “Meet – Connect – Get Hired,” underscores the event’s focus on facilitating
direct engagement between job seekers and employers. This approach is notably relevant in the
current economic landscape, where networking and personal connections can considerably enhance job
prospects.
Career fairs in the U.S. often incorporate similar strategies, such as on-site interviews, resume
critiques, and workshops on job search skills. For example, events like the Grace Hopper Celebration
for women in computing provide a platform for networking and recruitment, leading to significant
employment opportunities within the tech industry. This demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted
career fairs in addressing specific workforce needs.
Commitment from Employers and Training Providers
The success of the Jobberman Career Fair hinges on the sustained commitment of employers, career
placement organizations, and training providers. Mrs. Fakai reminded employers that they “are the
backbone of economic growth,” and their “willingness to invest in talents will empower not just for
those they hire, but the entirety of the state.”
Encouraging employers to actively participate in skills development and job creation initiatives is
crucial for long-term economic sustainability. This includes offering internships, apprenticeships,
and on-the-job training programs that equip young people with practical skills and experience.
Kaduna State’s Long-Term Vision
Governor Uba Sani’s governance is committed to making Kaduna State the skills hub of Nigeria.
This vision is being realized through the construction of three world-class vocational and
technology skills acquisition cities,with each senatorial zone hosting a center.
These centers aim to provide thorough training programs that align with industry demands,
ensuring that graduates possess the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the workforce. This
initiative reflects a proactive approach to addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic
growth.
Such investments in vocational training mirror accomplished models in countries like Germany, where
apprenticeship programs are highly valued and closely integrated with the industrial sector. These
programs provide young people with hands-on experience and a clear pathway to employment.
In the U.S., initiatives like the Manufacturing Institute’s “Dream It. Do It.” campaign aim to promote
careers in manufacturing and connect young people with training opportunities. These efforts
highlight the importance of investing in vocational education to address skills gaps and support
economic growth.
addressing Youth Unemployment: A Collaborative Approach
Mrs. Fakai emphasized that tackling youth unemployment requires a holistic and collaborative
approach.this includes engaging with various stakeholders, such as government agencies, private
sector organizations, educational institutions, and community groups, to develop and implement
effective solutions.
By working together, these stakeholders can create a supportive ecosystem that empowers young people
to realize their potential and contribute to the economic development of Kaduna State and Nigeria as
a whole.
Additional Insights and Analysis
While the partnership between Kaduna State and Jobberman is commendable, it’s crucial to consider
the broader economic factors influencing youth unemployment in Nigeria. Factors such as limited
access to capital for entrepreneurs, inadequate infrastructure, and policy inconsistencies can
hinder job creation efforts.
Furthermore,the effectiveness of skills acquisition programs depends on their alignment with
market demands. Regular assessments of industry needs and feedback from employers are essential to
ensure that training programs remain relevant and responsive.
for U.S. readers, it’s crucial to recognize that similar challenges exist in many parts of the
United States, particularly in economically distressed communities. Addressing these challenges
requires a multifaceted approach that includes investments in education, infrastructure, and
entrepreneurship, as well as policies that promote inclusive economic growth.
Potential Counterarguments and Criticisms
While the Kaduna State-Jobberman partnership is a positive step, some may argue that it onyl
addresses the symptoms of youth unemployment rather than the root causes. Critics might point to
the need for broader structural reforms to improve the business environment and attract more
investment.
Others may question the sustainability of job placements secured through career fairs, noting that
many entry-level positions offer low wages and limited opportunities for advancement. Addressing
these concerns requires a focus on creating higher-quality jobs with better pay and benefits.
Though, it’s critically important to recognize that addressing youth unemployment is a complex and ongoing
process. The kaduna State-Jobberman partnership represents a valuable contribution to this effort,
and its impact should be evaluated in the context of broader economic development initiatives.
Conclusion
The collaboration between the Kaduna State Government and Jobberman exemplifies a proactive approach
to tackling youth unemployment in Nigeria. By focusing on skills acquisition, job creation, and
public-private partnerships, this initiative has the potential to empower young people, drive
economic growth, and create a more prosperous future for Kaduna State.
What strategies or best practices are you adopting from global examples to enhance the Jobberman initiative in Kaduna State?
archyde Interview: Kaduna State’s Initiative to Combat Youth Unemployment with Mrs. Aisha Bello,CEO of Jobberman Nigeria
Archyde News brings you an exclusive interview with Mrs. Aisha Bello, CEO of Jobberman Nigeria, to discuss the exciting partnership between Jobberman and the Kaduna State Government. This collaboration aims to reduce youth unemployment through skills acquisition and enhance job creation opportunities.
Archyde News: Mrs. Bello,thank you for joining us. Can you start by giving us an overview of Jobberman’s role in this partnership and its objectives?
Mrs. Aisha Bello: Thank you for having me. Jobberman’s role is to be the catalyst in connecting Kaduna State’s youth with meaningful employment.The core objectives are to equip young people with in-demand skills and create pathways to connect them with employers. Our platform provides access to job opportunities and training programs, ultimately driving economic growth within Kaduna State.
Archyde News: The article mentions the Jobberman Career Fair as a central element. Could you elaborate on its meaning and the impact of the previous edition in November 2023?
Mrs. Aisha Bello: Absolutely. the Career Fair serves as a bridge, directly connecting job seekers with employers. The inaugural event was a remarkable success. We had nearly 1,500 unemployed youth attend, with strong participation from 71 employers. What’s truly gratifying is the immediate impact: over 300 confirmed job placements so far, and the numbers are still climbing. This demonstrates the effectiveness of hands-on, in-person job hunting.
archyde News: It’s noted that Governor Uba Sani aims to make Kaduna State a skills hub.How are the skills acquisition cities and the programs aligning with this vision and addressing the current market demands?
Mrs. Aisha Bello: Governor Sani’s vision is both ambitious and crucial. The new vocational and technology skills acquisition cities are designed to equip the youth with cutting-edge knowledge and training. To ensure the programs align with market demands, we are constantly consulting with industry stakeholders, conducting skills gap analyses, and tailoring the curriculum. This proactive approach is the key for long-term economic sustainability.
Archyde News: Collaboration between government and the private sector like this is crucial. The article points out the U.S. and Germany have similar structures. What specific strategies or best practices are you adopting from global examples to enhance the Jobberman initiative in Kaduna State?
Mrs. Aisha Bello: We’re drawing inspiration from several models. In Germany, the emphasis on apprenticeships and on-the-job training is very valuable.We are working on integrating robust internship programs. From the U.S., the importance of career fairs that facilitate direct networking and on-site interviews – and also the approach to align training with market needs. We are also utilizing online resources and courses for ongoing skill development.
Archyde News: What advice would you give to young people in Kaduna State looking to take advantage of thes opportunities?
Mrs. Aisha Bello: My key advice is to be proactive and persistent. Register on the Jobberman platform, explore the training programs offered, and actively participate in career fairs. Embrace the opportunity to learn new skills that align with your interests and the needs of the market. Networking is also very crucial; so use every opportunity you have to connect with employers and other professionals.
Archyde News: what is Jobberman’s long-term vision for this project and how successful will it be? Is there anything else you would like to add?
Mrs.Aisha Bello: Our long-term vision is to create a lasting ecosystem of skilled workers and employers in Kaduna State. We want to provide the tools, access, and platform, to boost the number of employed youth. Success depends on the sustained commitment from all stakeholders: the government, employers, training providers, and the youth themselves. It requires collaboration and adapting to a dynamic market. This initiative has the ability to improve economic growth and create a more prosperous future. Remember to get involved!
Archyde News: Mrs. Bello, thank you for this insightful conversation.
Mrs. Aisha Bello: Thank you for having me.
