By Kolade Olakiitan
The labour market in Nigeria is a thriving and multifaceted industry, characterized by its dynamic nature and ever-changing landscape. With emerging industries and evolving demands, navigating this complex market can be a challenging task. To succeed in this dynamic and competitive environment, individuals must be willing to continuously reinvent and upgrade their skills. This involves developing a deep understanding 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. 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 Nigeria’s labour market and achieve success in their careers.
Over the years, the labour market in our country has undergone significant changes as the economy continues to evolve. Before the colonial era, our economy was largely based on agriculture, and the majority of our labour force was involved in either subsistence or large-scale production. However, from the 1960s through to the 1980s, there was a rapid shift from agriculture to oil and industrialization. During this time, many people recognized the opportunities available in the labour market and embraced education to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for white-collar jobs, and the prestige that came with such jobs was highly sought after.
In the mid-1980s, however, the global drop in oil prices had a significant impact on our economy. Many people lost their jobs, and the labour market was severely 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 more opportunities for our labour force so that they can support themselves and their families. Since the 1990s, there has been a significant shift towards agriculture and industrialization, which can be attributed to various factors. One of the major factors is urbanization, which has led to a significant migration of people from rural to urban areas. When people migrate to urban areas, they need a source of income to survive. This has led many rural immigrants to rely on their skills in areas such as hairdressing and tailoring, which are in constant demand in urban areas.”
Another factor contributing to this shift is the diversification of the economy. In the past, the economy was primarily reliant on the oil industry. However, over time, there has been a shift to other sectors such as manufacturing, services, and industry. This diversification has helped to create more job opportunities and has reduced the country’s dependence on the oil industry. This shift has helped to promote sustainable economic growth and development.
Additionally, the labour market is 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.
When we take a closer look at 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 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, social factors such as gender differences and entrepreneurial activities have a significant impact on the labour market in Nigeria. The informal sector dominates the labour force, and a significant percentage of individuals earn their livelihood through their skills or entrepreneurship.
I have come to the realization 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. Which is why there’s a need for skill reinvention. 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 and attend boot camps to boost their chances of getting jobs. Additionally, youths are creating new job opportunities for themselves through content creation, social media influence, 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.
Skills 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 is technology and innovations. Other drivers of reinvention are globalization and the rise of entrepreneurship.
Skill reinvention is a continuous process driven by:
- Willingness and ability to adapt to new things and changing times.
- Commitment to continuous and intentional learning, whether in the formal or informal sectors. This could be by taking online courses, furthering one’s education, going to vocational schools, and so on, as it applies.
- Increased connections and networking among individuals.
As students, we have the opportunity to start building skills alongside our academics that will make us valuable contributors in the workforce. It’s never too early to start investing in our future success.
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO HALL PRESS 
Leave a comment