Category: Business Day

For many Nigerians, freedom means more than the waving of green-and-white flags. At 65, the nation still grapples with an independence dream left unfulfilled, a home to call their own.

Nigeria’s housing deficit has swelled to more than 28 million units, according to developers and government estimates. In Lagos, where rent can swallow half a family’s income and landlords raise prices without notice, the weight of that gap is deeply personal.

Families cram into single rooms. Young couples delay marriage. Workers earning the new ?70,000 minimum wage see their paychecks vanish before rent day.

Against this backdrop, a different kind of independence story unfolded in Ogudu on October 1. Terra Developers, a Lagos-based firm, opened the gates of Olivia Gardens, a housing estate it says will put homes within reach of middle-income earners.

‘Gone are the days people will pay 100 million cash to buy a house,’ said Kola Ashiru-Balogun, the company’s managing director. ‘That is not affordable, that is not sustainable.’

Instead, the firm is leaning on mortgages, some offered at 6.5% under the National Housing Fund, to turn buyers into owners. Ashiru-Balogun called it ‘a chance for first-time buyers to step onto the housing ladder.’

The Squeeze of Survival

The reality of Lagos real estate is brutal. In upscale districts, homes sell for ?400-500 million ($270,000-$335,000), far beyond the reach of average workers. Inflation, slightly above 20 percent, has only widened the gap.

‘Many people were priced out,’ Ashiru-Balogun admitted. ‘But things are stabilising now. Mortgages are the way forward.’

Industry players share his optimism. Ayodele Olowookere, head of Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank, reminded would-be buyers that housing is one of the few investments that grows even in crisis.

‘If you had bought a home three years ago for ?40 million, today it would be worth nearly ?100 million,’ he said.

‘Waiting means losing.’

Buyers, he explained, can now pay as little as 10-30 percent upfront and stretch payments for up to 20 years.

Shelter Beyond Ownership

Still, not everyone can borrow. Millions earn too little or work in informal jobs. For them, even talk of a mortgage feels remote.

Ashiru-Balogun acknowledged that truth and pushed for rent control. ‘It’s not everybody that will buy a house,’ he said. ‘Let the government step in to protect renters.’ He suggested yearly rent hikes be capped at 3-5 percent, to give tenants breathing room.

That call struck a chord with Moyosore Ogunlewe, chairman of Kosofe Local Government. ‘We’ve built roads, schools and health centres,’ he said at the event. ‘But housing is where the dignity of families begins.’

Building Blocks of Change

Terra Developers says it has delivered more than 2,000 housing units between 2021 and 2024 and plans nearly 900 more in Lagos and Abuja.

For Emmanuel Ekwe, the company’s general manager for sales, the mission goes beyond profit. ‘Every square metre we build is meant to give families not just a house, but a chance at stability,’ he said.

Hope at the Edges

The new estate will not erase a housing deficit counted in millions. Yet, for young Nigerians who have long seen homeownership as a luxury, it offers a foothold.

Balogun admits as much. ‘The project alone cannot close the gap,’ he said. ‘But for families who have long seen homeownership as an impossible dream, it offers hope.’

The European Union (EU) has issued a strong warning to Nigeria, cautioning that the nation’s democracy could slide into crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections unless urgent and comprehensive electoral reforms are implemented without delay.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Barry Andrews, Chief of Mission, said Nigeria’s progress on electoral reforms has been ‘modest at best and dangerously close to stagnation.’

He noted that the window for meaningful change was closing fast and that political will was essential to prevent the country from repeating the mistakes of 2023.

‘Our evaluation indicates that progress in implementing the recommendations has been modest thus far, and it is in danger of falling to critically low levels.

‘Avoiding this outcome will require political will from legislators and urgent, coordinated actions by relevant institutions’, Andrews stated.

According to the EU Follow-Up Mission, of the 23 priority reforms proposed after Nigeria’s controversial 2023 general elections, only one has been fully implemented.

‘Two others are partially adopted, eight remain ongoing, nine untouched, and three too early to assess’, it added.

Andrews warned that this slow pace of reform could derail preparations for 2027, leading to renewed disputes, mistrust, and chaos.

The EU highlighted six areas that demand immediate action, including open and merit-based appointments within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), simultaneous electronic and manual publication of election results, the adoption of the Reserved Seats Bill to boost women’s representation in politics, and the establishment of an Independent Electoral Offences Commission to tackle vote-buying, violence, and intimidation.

It also stressed the need for legal clarity through the passage of the 2025 Electoral Act Amendment and constitutional reforms, as well as stronger protections for media freedom and journalists’ safety.

‘INEC cannot operate on shifting ground. It needs a clear, stable legal framework well in advance of elections. Timing is everything’, emphasised.

The Follow-Up Mission expressed concern about contradictions between manual and electronic collation of results, particularly in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that both must be applied.

The fear that this dual system core opens loopholes for manipulation, threatening transparency.

The mission noted that vote-buying, violence, and intimidation continue to thrive with little or no accountability, warning that the few prosecutions recorded so far are insufficient to deter criminal behaviour.

It also called for greater protection of media practitioners, insisting that ‘a free press is non-negotiable in any democracy. Journalists must be shielded, not silenced.’

Responding to questions about foreign interference, Andrews dismissed claims that the EU was imposing its views on Nigeria.

‘This is about democracy for Nigerians, not outsiders. Civil society has made these same demands. Nigeria itself has observed elections in Ireland. This is reciprocity, not intrusion’, he said.

In his closing remarks, Gautier Mignot,

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Nigeria’s democratic journey but stressed that reform implementation lies squarely in the hands of Nigerian leaders.

‘We are fully backing Nigeria through our democratic governance support programme. But these are recommendations that Nigeria must own. The credibility of your democracy depends on it’, Mignot said.

He further clarified that diplomatic visits to off-cycle elections should not be mistaken for full EU election observation missions, which involve larger delegations and more comprehensive assessments.

The EU Follow-Up Mission is expected to remain in Nigeria for a week before submitting its progress report and updated recommendations.

However, its message was unmistakable: without decisive reforms, the 2027 general elections could be marred by the same disputes, mistrust, and legal battles that undermined the credibility of the 2023 polls.

‘Nigeria is too important to the region. If reforms stall, public trust will collapse, and democracy will pay the price’, Andrews noted.

Looking back on your journey, what were some of the early challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Early on, exchange rate volatility threatened everything. Importing eyewear and fragrances became a moving target financially. My solution was threefold: build stronger supplier relationships for better terms, time my inventory purchases strategically, and diversify into local products to reduce forex risk. That’s partly why our Nigerian-made line exists-it’s both a celebration of local excellence and a smart business hedge. Finding reliable staff was the other major hurdle. I learned that investing in training and creating a culture centred on quality and value pays dividends. You can’t build a premium brand without a team that understands and embodies those standards.

How did your upbringing and personal experiences shape your entrepreneurial spirit and drive?

I’ve always loved fashion, and it made me pay attention to details. I noticed that when you meet someone, their glasses catch your eye first. And when you enter a room, the smell is what hits you right away. These everyday observations became the inspiration for my business.

With over 10 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, what skills do you think have been most transferable to your entrepreneurial ventures?

Two critical skills have transferred seamlessly: maintaining rigorous quality control standards and establishing strong relationships with OEMs. These partnerships ensure consistent after-sales service support and timely access to genuine spare parts, which are essential for customer satisfaction and business sustainability.

How has your background in sales, business development, and contract negotiation influenced your approach to building and growing your brands?

My sales experience centres on one principle: create value by solving problems and clearly communicating that value to clients. In business development, I’ve applied staged growth within my areas of expertise. Our eyewear line evolved from unique frames to contact lenses to full optical services through strategic partnerships. Our fragrance division grew from basic humidifiers to industrial diffusers and premium UK fragrance brands. We’ve also expanded into Nigerian-made wellness products, creating an integrated lifestyle offering at every stage.

What motivated you to transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, and what challenges did you face in making that leap?

Let’s be honest-I never fully transitioned; I smartly straddled both worlds. There’s wisdom in keeping your day job while building your business. My corporate environment became my testing ground and client base. Every conference I attended with my unique glasses sparked conversations that often ended in sales.

Why wouldn’t I turn my professional network into my customer base? The biggest challenge? Making sure people knew I was serious about business and not just accessorising well!

What inspired you to create CNM Essentials, and how do you envision the brand evolving in the future?

Honestly, COVID sparked it all. Everyone suddenly needed humidifiers and essential oils to breathe easier and stay healthy at home. But as I started selling these products, I realised people wanted more than just wellness-they wanted their spaces to feel peaceful and smell incredible. That’s when CNM Essentials evolved from a pandemic necessity into a brand about creating beautiful, serene environments. Going forward, I want us to be the brand people think of when they want to transform how their space feels and smells.

Your brand emphasises wellness, elegance, and intentional living. Can you share more about what these values mean to you and how they shape your business decisions?

Wellness, elegance, and intentional living translate into one core principle for me: never compromise on comfort or style. Every business decision starts with value creation and customer satisfaction-not pricing. I ask myself: Will this product make someone feel better? Will it help them express themselves? Does it deliver quality they can experience? When you prioritise value and satisfaction upfront, price becomes a natural conversation rather than an objection. Customers invest in products that genuinely enhance their lives.

The launch of your Made-in-Nigeria haircare line is a significant step towards celebrating African excellence. What drove this decision, and how do you see it impacting the beauty industry?

We’re sitting on a goldmine of natural products like shea butter in Nigeria. The decision to launch this line came from understanding that quality control and packaging are game-changers. With proper refinement processes and premium packaging that meets international standards, these products aren’t just for local consumption-they’re export-ready. I want to show the beauty industry that Nigerian products, when held to the highest quality standards and presented professionally, can compete globally. It’s about elevating our natural resources to their rightful place in the market.

How do you think businesses can balance profitability with social responsibility and sustainability?

Honestly, I don’t see them as competing priorities. Good business is responsible business. When we invest in quality control for our local products, we’re protecting customers and building trust. When we source Nigerian ingredients, we’re supporting communities and reducing environmental impact from imports. When we use proper packaging, we’re ensuring products last and reducing returns. Every responsible choice strengthens the business. Profitability isn’t about cutting corners-it’s about creating value that customers recognise and are willing to pay for. Do that right, and both your bottom line and your impact grow together.

Under-fire Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim celebrated his 50th game in charge with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford, a result that eased growing pressure on the Portuguese manager.

Amorim, whose tenure has been under intense scrutiny following a string of inconsistent performances, saw his side deliver a composed and clinical display. Mason Mount opened the scoring after just eight minutes, giving United the perfect platform with his first goal of the season. It was the earliest United had scored in the Premier League since Marcus Rashford struck in the second minute against Ipswich in Amorim’s debut match last November.

Benjamin Sesko doubled United’s advantage with a sharp close-range finish as the home side looked in control throughout. At the other end, Amorim’s decision to hand a debut to £18.1m signing Senne Lammens paid off, with the Belgian goalkeeper keeping United’s first clean sheet of the season.

Sunderland were briefly handed a lifeline when awarded a penalty just before half-time, but the decision was overturned by VAR after replays showed Sesko had not made contact with Trai Hume, as initially judged. In a reign previously defined by grim statistics, Amorim finally has some positives to cling to. United recorded a third consecutive home win for the first time in over two years and extended their formidable record against Sunderland, having now lost just once in their last 31 home meetings with the Black Cats.

The milestone win also saw Amorim become the first United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his 50th game in charge – a symbolic achievement not lost on the Old Trafford crowd, who serenaded him with a rousing rendition of their ‘Ruben Amorim’ chant.

For Amorim, this result won’t silence all the doubters – but it offers a much-needed reprieve and a foundation to build on amid continued speculation over his future.

Ruben Amorim’s under-fire Manchester United side will aim to bounce back to winning ways when they host newly-promoted Sunderland at Old Trafford in Saturday’s Premier League clash.

This will be the clubs’ first meeting since April 2017, when Man United cruised to a 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.

The stakes are higher now, with Amorim clinging to his job amid mounting pressure following last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford, which cancelled out any momentum gained from their hard-fought win over Chelsea.

United remain without back-to-back league victories under Amorim, but could register a third straight home win if they overcome a confident Sunderland side.

The Black Cats, enjoying life back in the top flight, have picked up 11 points from their first six games, sitting sixth in the table after three wins and two draws.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, are languishing in 14th after losing three of their opening six matches, conceding 11 goals in the process.

Amorim also approaches his 50th match in charge, but history is against him; none of United’s last five permanent managers won their 50th game at the helm, with Sir Alex Ferguson the last to do so in November 1987.

However, United can draw confidence from their remarkable record against promoted teams, having gone 24 Premier League matches unbeaten against newcomers since losing 4-1 to Watford in 2021, the game that ended Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s reign.

Key Stats

Manchester United have lost 3 of their opening 6 league games, conceding 11 goals.

United are unbeaten in their last 24 Premier League games against newly-promoted clubs.

Amorim takes charge of his 50th United game, with history stacked against him.

Prediction

Sunderland’s strong start and fearless approach could trouble a fragile United side, but Old Trafford form and their record against promoted clubs may tip the balance.

Arsenal will look to clinch a fourth successive victory in all competitions when they host West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners head into their final match before the October international break in buoyant mood, having snatched a last-gasp win over Newcastle United before defeating Olympiacos in the Champions League midweek.

A major boost for Arsenal could be the first-time starting combination of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Ødegaard.

Injuries have so far prevented the trio from lining up together, but Arteta may unleash them against the Hammers. Saka came off the bench to score against Olympiacos, while Ødegaard impressed with a Man of the Match display, setting up the decisive goal.

West Ham, however, have history on their side. The Irons have won on their last two Premier League visits to the Emirates, and under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, they will be eager to frustrate Arsenal once again.

Espírito Santo began his reign with a gritty 1-1 draw at Everton and is expected to adopt a more defensive, safety-first approach to counter Arsenal’s firepower.

Key Stats

Arsenal are chasing their fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

West Ham have won their last two league games at the Emirates.

Arsenal have claimed victory in just two of their last six meetings with West Ham.

The Hammers have already conceded 14 goals in six league matches this season.

Predictions

Arsenal’s momentum, attacking options, and title-chasing ambition should give them the edge.

West Ham’s resilience under Espírito Santo may limit the scoreline, but the Gunners’ quality is likely to prevail.

Matthew Alaofin, Senior Advisor at Dell Technologies, USA has disclosed the importance of investment in Autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in shaping the future of healthcare and cybersecurity.

Alaofin who disclosed this at the IOCS 2025 themed: Applications of IoT, Ophthalmologist and Cybersecurity in Digital tech.

According to him ‘There is a lot of investment going on in level three and level four artificial intelligence. This is where the industry is headed. Level four is a more advanced AI agent where a lot of companies particular in the US are already putting investment. This is going to help in efficiency and achieving results faster. Companies are beginning to invest in these technologies and setting the groundwork.’

‘IoT systems have sensors which now pass data to the AI component that analyses the data and then comes up with whatever result. The synergy between both is beautiful and has a lot of benefit for industries specifically for Ophthalmology and cybersecurity. We have seen that in cybersecurity but need to see more in Ophthalmology because the potentials are there and investments are huge.’

He noted that a lot of it is not yet in production but still in pilot stages while companies are already putting billions of dollars to secure the technology.

The expert said AI is moving from passive applications that require human input to autonomous agents which can act independently.

‘Many users leverage the AI only for the chat bot, asking questions and getting answers. It is moving from single to multi agents AI systems which is where the industry is going.

He explained that the level 4 AI will play important role in healthcare delivery, combining human effort to get faster diagnosis,

Alaofin also stated that both Al and IoT are increasingly being implemented together into systems to enhance device functionality and efficiency, with both collaboration constituting the concept of AloT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) where both AI and IoT are used collectively to combine their strengths for more intelligent and autonomous systems.

‘The synergy between Al and loT offers a multitude of benefits by combining real-time sensor data and intelligent data analysis. This collaboration enhances automation, facilitates predictive insights and fosters adaptability resulting in optimized operations, improved resource efficiency, and enhanced user experiences across various industries or domains,’ he added.

The Senior Advisor citing sources disclosed that IOT Edge spending in Healthcare has been forecasted to grow at a CAGR of +10 percent and Al Services at a CAGR of +15 percent.

Meanwhile, he acknowledged that a lot of these investments in AI and IOT are coming mostly in the Cybersecurity sector, calling for more investments in the healthcare system.

‘Agentic Al will deliver transformative value to healthcare systems by introducing autonomous, adaptive, and goal-oriented intelligence across both clinical and operational domains,’ he added.

According to him, industries are getting ready for the application of IOT in Ophthalmology. Citing that, ‘ in 2024, Companies in the US ranked IOT as the fourth highest investment priority among other technologies’

He said that there must be adequate investment in technology infrastructure to make it work, adding that it will not work without good equipment in place.

Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League with a confident 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Rice opened the scoring in the first half, finishing smartly after Eberechi Eze’s shot was parried by Alphonse Areola. The former West Ham captain, who was jeered by the travelling fans, later left the pitch with back pain in the closing stages, while Martin Ødegaard was also forced off earlier in the game – the third consecutive home match in which the Arsenal captain has had to be withdrawn.

Despite the injury setbacks, Mikel Arteta’s side dominated throughout, with West Ham limited to long-range efforts. Saka doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf. The goal marked Saka’s 55th in the Premier League on his 200th appearance, continuing his excellent form. Arteta had named an ambitious midfield trio of Rice, Ødegaard, and Eze, part of a refreshed lineup following a £250m summer spend. Although that midfield was disrupted by injury, the Gunners remained in control, extending their strong start to the season, having lost just once so far.

The result puts Arsenal ahead of Liverpool at the top of the table, at least until the Reds face Chelsea later on Saturday.

FIFA has confirmed the match officials for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

For the Matchday 9 clash against Lesotho, scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat will take charge. Mahamat also officiated Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on September 6. He will be assisted by compatriots Bogola Issa (Assistant Referee 1), Moussa Hafiz (Assistant Referee 2), and Abdelkerim Ousmane (Fourth Official). Kenyan official Alice Damaris Kimani has been named Referee Assessor, while William Makinati Shongwe from eSwatini will serve as Match Commissioner.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are third on Group C standings with 11 points, currently trailing group leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa by three points.

Victory is crucial to boosting their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Nigeria has been taking steps to overhaul its education system through skills development as part of efforts to tackle high youth unemployment.

The new curriculum for Nigeria’s education system is a welcome step towards making education more relevant to work. But Germany’s experience shows that building a sustainable apprenticeship system requires deep investment, industry collaboration, and constant renewal.

If Nigeria can embed these principles, vocational training could move from being a stopgap to becoming a cornerstone of economic growth, producing not just job seekers, but skilled workers and innovators ready to shape the country’s future.

The press release by the Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria highlighted the new vocational subjects that were added to the basic education curriculum. Trade subjects for non-technical schools were streamlined from over thirty to six practical areas: Solar PV installation and maintenance, fashion design and garment making, livestock farming, beauty and cosmetology, computer hardware and GSM repairs, and horticulture and crop production. In addition, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) will now administer 28 revamped trade subjects for technical colleges. WAEC and NECO subjects were aligned to reflect the revised structure, focusing on core areas and relevant trades. Speaking on the reform, Tunji Alausa, minister of education, said the new curriculum will allow children to learn in a more focused and functional way without the burden of too many subjects, while teachers will benefit from a simpler structure, and government resources can be better directed toward building a stronger, skill-driven education system.

Yet, while the direction is promising, successful implementation requires more than policy declarations. Germany’s apprenticeship model, regarded as the ‘gold standard’ of vocational training, provides both inspiration and cautionary lessons.

What Germany’s model shows

For decades, Germany’s ‘Ausbildung’ system formed the backbone of its industrial success. It operates as a dual training model as apprentices spend part of their time in vocational schools learning theory and the rest gaining hands-on experience in a workplace.

It had its roots in the medieval guild system but was formally codified and standardised with the passage of the Vocational Training Act in 1969.

Crucially, apprentices earn wages while training, reducing financial barriers to participation.

The system historically supplied industries such as engineering, manufacturing, and hospitality with skilled workers, helping Germany maintain one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in Europe. At its peak, for every 100 university students, there were 75 apprentices, reflecting the system’s prestige and popularity.

But challenges emerged. A 2024 survey by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry revealed that nearly half of companies offering apprenticeships could not fill their slots. In some sectors, like construction and hospitality, positions remain vacant despite labour shortages.

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training noted that despite 350,000 apprentices in the craft sector in 2024, the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) reported over 20,000 unfilled positions. This shortage is concerning, as many of the 130 recognised skilled crafts apprenticeships are crucial for driving technological change.

The challenges point to demographic pressures, cultural shift towards university education, and slow curriculum adaptation to digital industries, which are all eroding the model’s effectiveness.

For Nigeria, these struggles are instructive. The lesson is clear: a strong apprenticeship framework must adapt quickly to technological shifts and demographic realities, or risk losing relevance. Adapting the framework to Nigeria

Nigeria already has a National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) to standardise technical training, but its reach is limited. A German-style dual system could build on this by formally linking schools, industries, and government in a three-way partnership. Employers would need incentives to take on apprentices, while schools would be tasked with delivering industry-relevant curricula.

Nigeria’s high-growth sectors, renewable energy, ICT, construction, agriculture and health, could become the testing ground. For example, just as Germany built strong apprenticeship tracks in engineering and automotive industries, Nigeria could prioritise structured training for solar technicians, software developers, and agro-processors. These are roles likely to expand with domestic demand and global trends.

The teacher’s challenge Teachers sit at the centre of both Germany’s and Nigeria’s systems. Germany has 3,600 vocational schools, but educators there now complain of outdated curricula and uneven classroom standards. In some schools, cohorts are increasingly mixed, ranging from school-leavers to university graduates and migrants with limited German proficiency. Teachers argue that this has made it difficult to maintain consistent quality.

Nigeria faces a sharper version of this problem: a projected shortfall of 30 million teachers by 2030. As Abdullahi Bature, CEO of Schoola, stressed, ‘We need big investment around supporting teachers. They need digital literacy, and more importantly, artificial intelligence (AI) literacy.’ If Germany, with its long-established infrastructure, is struggling to keep teacher quality high, Nigeria cannot afford to neglect teacher training at this critical stage. Pay, mobility and incentives

Another lesson from Germany lies in pay and mobility. Apprentices in Germany earn between pound 500 and pound 900 a month, depending on the sector and size of the firm. While not high, this wage makes training more accessible. Nigerian apprenticeships often pay little or nothing, discouraging participation. Without financial incentives, the system risks being seen as exploitative rather than empowering.

Germany also demonstrates the value of mobility within training. Some companies now experiment with ‘micromobility’, offering apprentices short-term projects across departments. This builds adaptability and keeps young people curious. Nigeria could adopt similar approaches, encouraging apprentices to rotate between roles, for instance, in ICT, between coding, product design and data analysis to broaden skills and resilience.

Policy and funding consistency

Funding remains a major stumbling block for Nigeria. Technical training requires costly equipment, workshops, and industry partnerships. Germany’s model is expensive, but consistent state investment, employer buy-in, and strong union involvement helped sustain it for decades.

For Nigeria, the priority must be agility: reforms must be regularly reviewed and updated to keep pace with labour market needs. How Germany is closing the gap and what Nigeria can learn from

While international comparisons are valuable, Nigeria must ultimately define its own pathway. Bature insists, ‘I don’t believe we need our content to be global standard. It should be our own Nigerian standard.’ This means tailoring vocational training to Nigeria’s demographic realities, cultural expectations, and economic strengths.

Germany’s apprenticeship model remains a powerful example, but it is not a blueprint to be copied wholesale. Nigeria can learn from its strengths, structured partnerships, earning while learning, and prestige attached to technical skills, while avoiding its current pitfalls of demographic decline, outdated curricula, and waning appeal among the youth.

For example, Germany’s shortage of apprentices was due to image issues, lack of early exposure, weak recruitment by small firms, and stereotypes.

Now the country is working to close gaps in skilled craft apprenticeships by engaging young people earlier and modernising the sector’s image, which Nigeria can learn from.

Some of its initiatives are ‘Small hands, big future’ (Kleine Hände, grosse Zukunft) and ‘Make something!’ (Mach was!) introduce children and pupils to crafts through practical projects.

Digital and in-person formats like ‘MasterPOWER’ and ‘Crafts mobile’ (Handwerksmobil) combine learning software with hands-on workshops. The ‘Crafts go to school’ (Handwerk macht Schule) programme also links craft themes with school curricula.

To inspire young people, campaigns such as ‘Power People in Skilled Craft’ (Power People im Handwerk) and ‘Skilled Craft Makers’ (Handwerks Macher:innen) use influencers to promote diversity and challenge stereotypes, while the ‘Skilled Crafts Miss and Mister’ (Handwerks Miss and Mister) event selects ambassadors for the sector. Creativity is showcased through the ‘Design Talents in Crafts North Rhine-Westphalia’ (DesignTalente Handwerk Nordrhein-Westfalen) competition.

Nigerians can learn from these measures, which aim to spark early interest, highlight diversity and creativity, and present crafts as modern and future-oriented careers.