Background
In Lagos State, thousands of young people graduate each year without the hands-on skills required to thrive in the workforce. Despite the presence of technical colleges, outdated curricula and limited industry collaboration resulted in a widening gap between education and employability.
Challenge
Students from Lagos State technical colleges were facing difficulty securing jobs post-graduation due to insufficient exposure to industry-grade tools, software, and standards. Employers voiced concerns about the job-readiness of graduates, citing a lack of real-world experience, especially in key sectors such as engineering, construction, and IT.
Solution
Upon assuming office as SSA to the Governor on LASTVEB in April 2024, Giwa Murtala Omotola Moore prioritized bridging this divide. He championed the expansion of the Skill-Up Program — a strategic collaboration between LASTVEB, MCS Consulting, and City and Guilds. The program aimed to provide industry-certified training with a strong emphasis on practical experience and immediate job readiness.
Implementation
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Curriculum Redesign: Courses were redesigned to align with industry standards in fields like welding, plumbing, mechatronics, and ICT.
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Certified Trainers: Certified instructors from MCS Consulting and City & Guilds conducted specialized training workshops.
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Industry Simulations: Practical training setups were introduced in five technical colleges across Lagos: Agidingbi, Ikotun, Ado-Soba, Ikorodu, and Odomola, Epe.
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Assessment and Certification: Students underwent internationally recognized competency assessments upon completion.
Results
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2,500+ students trained under the revised Skill-Up Program in the first 9 months.
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Graduates’ employment rate rose to 80%, with many securing roles in local industries or starting their own businesses.
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35% increase in enrollment in technical education across the participating colleges.
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Employer feedback surveys indicated a 60% improvement in graduate performance in technical roles compared to previous cohorts.
“Through Skill-Up, we didn’t just learn – we worked like professionals. It prepared me for the real world,” — Adebayo T., graduate in electrical installation.
