FEATURES: FROM CRAFTSMEN TO INNOVATORS: SKILL REINVENTION IN THE SHIFTING SANDS OF THE LABOUR MARKET

By Kolade Olakiitan

The market landscape in Nigeria paints a picture of a bustling room filled with eager faces, sectioned with enough doors that seamlessly flow into one another. It presents a thriving and multifaceted sector of the nation that is mostly characterised by its dynamic nature and landscape. Intersecting one another, the white collar, blue collar, and the newer colloquial for care-oriented field, pink collar jobs, inherently cohabit in a competitive environment. To succeed effectively in this booming sector, individuals have begun to investigate the intricate workings of the Nigerian labour market, and one crucial observation signifies a deep understanding of skill reinvention. This clearly involves developing a concrete comprehension of the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices, as well as honing their transferable skills to meet the changing demands of the job market.

Through the years, the labour market in our country has undergone significant changes as the economy continues to evolve. Before the colonial era, the economy was predominantly based on agriculture, and the majority of our labour force was involved in either subsistence or large-scale production. However, from the 1960s through the 1980s, there was a rapid shift from agriculture to oil and industrialization. Consequently, people recognized the opportunities available in the labour market. In addition, they embraced the influx of education to gain the requisite skills and knowledge for white-collar jobs, and the prestige that came with such jobs was highly sought after.

However, in the mid-1980s, the global drop in oil prices shook, having a significant impact on our economy. Jobs were lost, and the labour market was drastically affected. As a result, many had to return to farming as a source of livelihood. This period highlighted the need for our country to diversify its economy and create other opportunities for our labour force in order to sustain their livelihood. Subsequently, since the 1990s, the economy has experienced a notable shift from agriculture and industrialization to other in-demand occupations. This shift can be attributed to a range of personal, economic, and demographic factors.

One of these factors is urbanisation. Urbanization contributed to the development of novel skills for people moving from rural to urban areas. When these people migrate to urban areas, they need a source of income to survive. This led many rural immigrants to rely on their handy skills in areas such as hairdressing and tailoring, which are in constant demand in urban areas, while also learning skills that could keep them in these areas.

Furthermore, the diversification of the economy due to the oil price saga paved the way for innovations in the economy. In the past, the economy was primarily reliant on the oil industry. Over time, attention shone on other sectors such as manufacturing, services, and industrial sectors. This diversification helped create more job opportunities and reduced the country’s dependence on the oil industry. Significantly, the shift has helped to promote sustainable economic growth and development in the country.

Additionally, the labour market is greatly influenced by various social factors, including gender differences and entrepreneurial activities. These factors play a crucial role in determining the direction of the labour market. For instance, gender differences can affect the types of jobs that are available to individuals, as certain jobs may be traditionally associated with one gender or the other.

Moreso, from an astute observation made by this reporter into the Nigerian economy, we can see that it is more informal than formal. This is because a significant portion of the labour force comprises hairdressers, barbers, tailors, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. These jobs are primarily informal, meaning that they are not regulated by the government, and the workers are not entitled to the same benefits as those in the formal sector.

In addition, a higher percentage of the labour force in Nigeria earns a living through their skills or benefits from entrepreneurship. This means that many individuals are self-employed or work for small and medium businesses. This trend is driven by a lack of formal job opportunities as well as the entrepreneurial spirit that is prevalent in the country. Overall, the informal sector dominates the labour force, and a significant percentage of individuals earn their livelihood through their skills or entrepreneurship.

Moving forward, this reporter has come to the realisation that in Nigeria, the labour market is transitioning from being solely based on having certificates to being more focused on skills and certificates combined. This means that having a certificate alone without any practical skills to support it is no longer sufficient to succeed in this market. This is the cogent reason skill reinvention has become prevalent in the nation. There are various ways in which skill reinvention has occurred. For example, farmers have had to embrace new technologies and machines as replacements for crude implements. They have had to learn how to use these machines to make their farming practices more efficient and to effortlessly blend into large-scale production.

Students and graduates, in their quest for relevance in the labour market, have had to take online courses on various learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy and ALX. Not only do they go out of their way to learn courses online but also attend boot camps to boost their chances of getting jobs. Additionally, youths are creating new job opportunities for themselves through content creation, social media influencing, and brand ambassadorship, among others. All of these are examples of skill reinvention in response to changing times. Artisans, who are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, are now embracing 3D drawing as a means to enhance their skills. By learning 3D drawing, artisans can create more intricate and complex designs that were previously unattainable with traditional methods. This not only improves their craftsmanship but also opens up new opportunities for them in various industries.

Similarly, teachers have also adopted online classes as a way to ensure that education continues uninterrupted, even in times of crisis just like during the COVID-19 pandemic. With online classes, teachers can reach students who are geographically distant, making education accessible to a wider audience. Online classes also offer flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and schedule, which is especially beneficial for working professionals and individuals with busy schedules.

Skill reinvention is almost an unavoidable aspect of any institution because there’s always the need to do better and keep up with the ever-increasing changing times. The major drivers of skill reinvention and even dynamism are technology and innovations. Other drivers of reinvention are globalisation and the rise in entrepreneurship. From communication and problem-solving to critical thinking and leadership, individuals must strive to develop a diverse set of skills that will allow them to adapt to various industries and job roles. With a commitment to continuous learning and skill development, individuals can navigate the complexities of Nigerian labour market and achieve success in their careers.

As the years go by, more factors will surely emerge to contribute to the reinvention of skills. While tech skills are presently in vogue and are acclaimed to be the future of the world market, we should have it in mind that the economy is an unpredictable force and human evolution contribute largely to the development of any sector in a nation.