By Nita Duru
In a transformative effort to reshape Nigeria’s employment landscape, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as “Getwork Nigeria” are taking proactive steps towards sustainable development. Through its Graduates Employment Training Workshop, the organization is not only equipping young talents with essential skills but also fostering a culture of growth and development. Getwork Nigeria’s mission transcends mere job placement; it seeks to catalyze the holistic advancement of Nigeria’s youth, thus contributing to the nation’s overall progress.
Central to Getwork Nigeria’s vision is the Mentorship Program, tailored for graduates with 0-2 years of professional experience. This program transcends traditional mentorship, providing immersive virtual training sessions encompassing crucial areas like resume crafting, interview acumen, networking prowess, and soft skills. The goal is to arm graduates with the tools necessary to navigate the global job market effectively.
At the helm of Getwork Nigeria are experts with a wealth of knowledge, including certified HR professionals from North America and Nigeria and individuals with extensive business law, marketing, and innovation backgrounds from internationally acclaimed institutions. Their collective expertise forms the bedrock upon which graduates build their careers. Beyond mentorship, they also offer career counseling and facilitate job placements, bridging the gap between eager graduates and potential employers, both within Nigeria and abroad.
Since its inception four years ago, Getwork Nigeria has transformed the lives of over a thousand graduates, empowering them to excel in their respective fields. These success stories resonate as living proof of the program’s efficacy. Graduates have ascended to positions of prominence in multinational corporations, and others have been spurred to pursue advanced degrees in prestigious institutions around the world.
Itunu Mercy’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of Getwork Nigeria’s mentorship program. Through the program, she secured a position in a multinational company in Lagos, embarking on a trajectory of personal and professional growth. Her story underscores the program’s pivotal role in providing not only skills but also invaluable connections, vital in today’s fiercely competitive job market.
The dynamic duo behind Getwork Nigeria’s success, Bunmi Jasmine Omeke LLB BL LLM (Aberdeen) and Yetunde Ajibade LLB BL MA (Cambridge), have masterfully orchestrated a platform for empowerment. Bunmi Omeke, armed with certifications as an HR professional in both North America and Nigeria, seamlessly blends legal expertise from Nigeria and the UK. Yetunde Ajibade, a versatile education expert, advocates for quality education in formative years. Their combined commitment to nurturing young graduates has been instrumental in Getwork Nigeria’s triumphs.
Barr (Mrs.) Bunmi Omeke, brimming with pride at the achievements of her mentees, urges fresh graduates to take charge of their destinies. She emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning and professional development in today’s rapidly evolving job market. The next workshop, slated for November 2023, promises to be a beacon of opportunity, with free admission for eager graduates.
Collaborating with partner companies, Getwork Nigeria ensures its graduates have access to a diverse array of career paths and job openings. These partnerships not only broaden career horizons but also provide invaluable industry insights and up-to-date guidance to mentees.
While basking in its achievements, Getwork Nigeria acknowledges its challenges: bureaucratic hurdles, public engagement, and securing funding for vital technological tools. The organization looks to the support of stakeholders – governmental bodies, educational institutions, and corporate entities – to surmount these obstacles and extend its reach.
As Getwork Nigeria and similar NGOs work tirelessly to address graduate unemployment, a glimmer of hope emerges. Through targeted mentorship, career guidance, and job placements, they’re not only reducing unemployment rates but also fostering a generation of empowered, economically independent young individuals. With continued support and collaboration, the path to employment barriers can be dismantled, illuminating a brighter future for the next generation of Nigerian graduates.
