McAnderson Institute of Technology has urged Nigerian youths to leverage technology to reduce the unemployment gap, saying the numerous opportunities tech offers can earn them good profits.
The institute spoke at a tech event held at the AfDB Centre, Covenant University, themed: ‘Building a Remote Global Tech Career.’
Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, who spoke at the event, highlighted the pressing issue of youth unemployment, drawing attention to statistics from the International Labour Organisation, ILO.
He said according to the ILO, young people aged 15–24, both in developed and developing countries, face significant challenges in securing employment.
His words: “Their unemployment rate, three times higher than that of adults, profoundly impacts their lives and career trajectories. Shockingly, more than one in five young people, constituting 23.5 per cent is without employment opportunities.
“In a global context, Nigeria ranks second highest in youth unemployment, trailing only South Africa, as reported by The Spectator Index. This dire situation demands urgent intervention strategies. Experts advocate for equipping youths with skills and competencies tailored for the burgeoning global tech industry, currently the fastest-growing sector worldwide.
“The recent surge in demand for tech professionals necessitates that youths be adequately equipped in technology. As businesses have pivoted towards digitalization, demand has heightened for tech-savvy individuals to drive innovation and competitiveness.”
On his part, the Founder and CEO of McAnderson Institute of Technology, Mr. Akindayo Akindolani, said: “McAnderson Institute of Technology stands as a cornerstone in the realm of digital skills training, and providing remote talent to businesses and organizations With a clear mission to equip young individuals with industry-specific courses, McAnderson aims to cultivate a pool of skilled and employable youth within Africa.”
Also, Director of the International Office and Job Linkages, Covenant University, Dr Isaac Akinwunmi, emphasised the significance of networking.
He stated that networking goes beyond mere acquaintance and that it “encompasses the depth of our connections and those they are linked with.”
He highlighted a statistic indicating that 23 per cent of University of Exeter graduates who embarked on graduate-level employment in 2010 secured their positions through personal connections.
“This underscores the essential role of networking in career advancement. Effective networking requires active engagement; one cannot navigate it alone. Your acquired skills must be visible to others,” he said.
Senior Business Program Manager Marketing and Communications at Microsoft ADC-West Africa, Orimolade Oluwamuyemi, in his remarks, highlighted key strategies for individuals seeking remote jobs.
According to him, “These strategies include crafting a strong digital presence through an optimized LinkedIn profile and a personal website or portfolio, mastering remote communication via professional email etiquette and virtual interview preparedness, and purposeful networking through participation in online communities and virtual events.”
Also, Information Security and Culture Change Director, McAnderson, Mr. Joseph Oluwaseun Benedict, spoke with the participants and encouraged them to develop their skills and to also validate it through professioal certificates.
He also offered them support and mentorship through the McAnderson mentorship programme that will guide them to becoming certified professionals.
Also speaking, the Digital Skills Program Manager at McAnderson, Mr. Ayobamidele Ajiboye, emphasized the array of training prospects open to attendees.
He provided the website link where attendees could apply for IT training programs on mymivant platform and explore job openings as well.
Additionally, he presented projects from trainees currently learning JavaScript Programming.
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