The Nigerian Talent UK Educated (NTUKE) fair has reaffirmed its mission to boost Nigeria’s employability by connecting UK-educated graduates with local employers, ensuring that the country maximises the benefits of its investment in international education.
The 6th edition of the fair, held on Friday in Abuja, was organised by the Graduate Guidance Group (G3) in partnership with the British Council, Chevening and leading UK universities. It brought together prospective students, UK alumni, and industry leaders in a bid to bridge the gap between global education and Nigeria’s workforce needs.
Emma Tarrant-Tayou, Director, Graduate Guidance Group, said the initiative was designed to respond to growing concerns among students and employers.
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Employers want Nigerian talent that has global experience. Yet, somehow, the jobs are advertised but not filled by the right candidates. What we want to do is bring both groups together so they can meet, understand what employers are looking for, and help job seekers better position themselves in the labour market,” she explained.
She disclosed that in just five years, six UK universities had educated around 10,000 Nigerians, a pool she described as a vital resource for the country’s development. According to her, NTUKE has already produced success stories, with participants securing interviews, job offers, or drawing inspiration to establish businesses in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Loretta Laoye, Managing Director of UHR Consult, said the fair is filling an important gap in graduate preparation.
“Often, candidates do not really have a sense of direction. When you ask them where they see themselves in five years, very few can provide a clear-cut answer. Events like this point them in the right direction, making them more employable and better aligned with industry needs,” she said.
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Chiamaka Chikobogwe, Student Recruitment Manager for Coventry University, said personal interactions with students remain invaluable as the event provides a chance to directly guide students in ways that impact both their career goals and Nigeria’s labour market.
Most times, students are confused about the courses they want to study or the career opportunities available after graduation. Meeting universities and employers physically helps bridge that gap and ensures students make decisions that benefit both their future and Nigeria’s workforce,” she explained.
The event featured Bangor University, Buckinghamshire New University, Coventry University, Robert Gordon University, University of Bradford, University of Nottingham and Kaplan International Pathways.
