Nigerian youths collaborating on construction, ready to tackle industry challenges.
A UK-based Quantity Surveyor highlights that Nigerian youths can excel in the construction industry with necessary reforms in the education system. The call stresses the need for curriculum updates and better training methods to equip students with essential skills. Enhanced access to practical training and gender diversity initiatives are vital for fostering a skilled workforce capable of addressing the infrastructure challenges in Nigeria. Youth-led startups are emerging as key players in providing solutions for housing and urban development, reinforcing the importance of empowering the youth.
Odunayo Olaniyan, a UK-based Quantity Surveyor, has called for vital changes in Nigeria’s construction industry to harness the potential of its youth. He believes that the built environment sector can offer significant opportunities for young Nigerians, urging educational reforms that align universities with the current needs of construction and infrastructure.
Nigeria’s tertiary education system is said to be lacking in relevance, with many universities relying on an outdated curriculum that does not adequately prepare students for real-world demands. According to Olaniyan, the absence of modern elements such as digital construction tools, sustainable design practices, and global best practices puts graduates at a disadvantage.
His academic journey in Quantity Surveying in the UK emphasizes the necessity of integrating practical experiences into educational programs. It is essential for Nigerian universities to include modules on topics such as contract administration and sustainable material sourcing to equip students with necessary skills. Collaborations between universities and professional bodies like NIQS and COREN are crucial to revamp these educational frameworks.
Employers in the construction industry are encouraged to prioritize both technical and “soft” skills in their hiring processes. Accreditations that meet global standards from recognized organizations are highlighted as instrumental for both employers and job seekers. Expanding access to training centers like the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) Skills Academy would facilitate hands-on learning experiences.
Key soft skills such as communication, adaptability, teamwork, and digital fluency are essential for youths entering the field. These competencies not only boost employability but also enhance overall productivity in construction projects.
Olaniyan also underscores the importance of mentoring and role models for women in the industry. Addressing cultural stereotypes and the scarcity of visible female professionals is vital to fostering a more inclusive environment. Gender-focused programs are recommended to provide mentorship and technical exposure for girls, allowing them to envision careers in construction.
To promote gender diversity, Nigeria could implement policies like offering government scholarships for women and establishing gender quotas in public tenders. These measures aim to create a more balanced workforce capable of driving change in the industry.
Nigerian youths are seen as potential solution providers for pressing challenges such as housing shortages and decaying infrastructure. Innovative initiatives like the youth-led startup YALO, which offers rent finance solutions, exemplify how young professionals can make meaningful contributions to the industry.
Engaging young minds through STEM education is emphasized as a way to attract talent into technical fields. Drawing inspiration from successful education models in the UK, initiatives that create community hubs and innovation spaces can empower youths in less privileged areas. These environments would enable knowledge sharing, creativity, and collaboration among aspiring professionals.
The Nigerian federal government is actively focusing on training programs aimed at equipping five million youths with relevant entrepreneurial and vocational skills. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative is set to address high-demand skills across various sectors, including construction, and will offer opportunities for free training to interested youths.
These government-backed initiatives not only aim to support gender diversity and inclusion in the construction workforce but also aspire to build a skilled labor pool ready to tackle Nigeria’s future infrastructure needs.
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