In a recent revealing address at The Platform event in Lagos, Tosin Eniolorunda, the esteemed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Moniepoint, shed light on a pressing issue that could have profound implications for Nigeria’s workforce: the staggering challenge of filling approximately 500 job vacancies due to a notable shortage of qualified talent in the nation.
This challenge not only raises questions about the future of employment in Nigeria but also highlights the urgent need for systemic change in the education and social fabric of the country.In an engaging and candid manner, Eniolorunda shared the strategic shift Moniepoint has made in its hiring approach—deciding to exclusively seek local talent within Nigeria’s borders. However, despite the noble intention, the company has encountered significant hurdles in finding candidates who meet the global standards required by a firm that competes on an international scale. “If you navigate to our Moniepoint career webpage, you’ll discover around 500 open positions. Despite our efforts, we are encountering difficulties in finding individuals equipped to fulfill these roles,” he explained in a video that quickly gained traction across social media platforms.
The CEO elaborated, stating, “Not only are we struggling to find candidates in the quantity we desire, but those who do emerge often do not possess the high caliber we require.” This sentiment strikes at the core of a systemic issue; as Moniepoint contends with fierce global competition, especially from formidable players in China, it becomes increasingly imperative to employ a workforce that is both highly skilled and globally competitive.Eniolorunda did not shy away from discussing the broader implications of the talent gap, attributing part of the issue to deficiencies in Nigeria’s educational system, alongside shifting societal values observed in the younger generation. “I used to believe that Nigerians were undoubtedly bright, but I’m now coming to the realization that we must take action,” he conveyed, echoing the concerns shared by many thought leaders in the country.
The erosion of traditional values and the rising influence of internet culture, particularly the allure of quick financial gains often associated with internet fraud, have shifted the aspirations of many Nigerian youths. “The critical thinking and reasoning ability among our youth seem diminished compared to previous generations,” Eniolorunda lamented, as he painted a picture of a concerning trend that may hinder the nation’s progress.Moreover, he referenced the recent wave of skilled professionals leaving Nigeria—a phenomenon colloquially known as “japa.” This emigration is further perpetuating the talent shortage, leaving a gap that is difficult to fill. “In this country of more than 200 million people, there are countless alternative routes for young individuals to pursue wealth or become successful in their careers,” he noted poignantly.Eniolorunda emphasized the urgent necessity for Nigeria to focus on investing in human capital development.
He expressed the need to cultivate alternative role models that inspire youthful ambition toward sustainable career paths rather than fleeting riches. “If we channel our efforts into enhancing our human capital and reshaping societal attitudes, we can ignite a transformation that will benefit not just the job market but the entire country,” he asserted.As the conversation around the future of work in Nigeria continues, Eniolorunda’s insights serve as both a rallying cry and a call to action for stakeholders across the nation to address the systemic issues contributing to this daunting talent gap. The onus now lies on the collective effort of businesses, educational institutions, and communities to pave the way forward, ensuring a brighter, more skilled future for the next generation.
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