Nigeria: A future powerhouse for global talent export

Nigeria, a country endowed with immense human potential, stands at the crossroads of an opportunity to become a leading exporter of high-quality talent to meet the increasing global demand. In an increasingly maturing world where the need for skilled professionals continues to grow despite unemployment numbers, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to tap into its rich pool of talent, harness its cultural attributes, and drive phenomenal economic and social impact. The two defining qualities of Nigeria’s workforce—resilience and a passion for knowledge—are deeply ingrained in its culture and way of life, making the country an ideal candidate to contribute measurably to global human capital.

The Nigerian Advantage: Time, Stubborn Drive, and Cultural Attributes

Two of Nigeria’s greatest advantages lie in its time and its drive. Time, in this context, refers to the country’s youthful population, a demographic that provides a solid foundation for future growth and development. With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 25, the country is home to a vast pool of individuals with the potential to evolve into highly skilled professionals. This youthful workforce, combined with a natural curiosity and willingness to learn, offers immense opportunity for Nigeria to train, develop, and export top-tier talent across various fields.

On the other hand, the stubborn drive that characterises the Nigerian spirit is another crucial asset. Nigerians are known for their resilience in the face of adversity. This trait, I have referred to as “dogged persistence,” enables individuals to overcome challenges and thrive, even in difficult circumstances. Whether navigating economic hardships, infrastructural limitations, or societal expectations, Nigerians display an unwavering determination to succeed. This tenacity, paired with a strong desire to better oneself, makes Nigeria’s talent pool incredibly adaptable and resourceful, qualities that are highly sought after in the global job market.

In addition to these, Nigeria’s cultural diversity is another important advantage. The country is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and strengths. This diversity cultivates a unique form of problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability. Nigerians are often required to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps in everyday life, a skill that proves invaluable in global work environments. This ability to work across cultures seamlessly makes Nigerian professionals highly attractive to multinational organisations and international employers. We will now consider a State within the Nigerian space notable for its unique attitude to knowledge.

Praise for Ekiti State: The Fountain of Knowledge

At the core of Nigeria’s drive to export world-class talent lies the rich legacy of Ekiti State, often referred to as the “Fountain of Knowledge.” This title is not just a nickname but a reflection of the deep educational tradition ingrained in the people of Ekiti. Ekiti State has long been a hub of academic excellence and intellectual rigour, producing some of Nigeria’s most respected scholars, professionals, and leaders. The state’s commitment to education is reflected in the fact that Ekiti is home to numerous educational institutions, many of which have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s intellectual and professional development. The term “Fountain of Knowledge” underscores the central role that education and learning play in Ekiti’s cultural fabric. The people of Ekiti are deeply invested in acquiring knowledge and have developed a reputation for excellence in fields such as law, education, engineering, and the arts. The tribe’s focus on education is not just about formal schooling; it also encompasses the development of personal and professional resilience—skills that are key to success in the modern world.

This intellectual legacy of Ekiti aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s broader ambition to become a leading exporter of talent. The people of Ekiti embody the qualities of knowledge mastery and dogged persistence—traits that are essential for navigating the complexities of today’s global workforce. These traits, honed over generations, are precisely what make Ekiti, and Nigeria as a whole, an ideal breeding ground for global talent. Ekiti’s role as the Fountain of Knowledge is therefore highly strategic, serving as a beacon of education and intellectual mastery that can inspire and drive the entire nation toward global prominence.

Moreover, a Yoruba adage often shared by my mother—”Iya o je e, o lo gbon, ta ni tisha e”—translates to “Suffering is a great teacher.” This saying encapsulates the philosophy that challenges and adversity shape an individual into a stronger, more capable person. The Ekiti tribe, like many other Nigerian communities, embodies this philosophy, as they have historically faced obstacles but continue to excel due to their pursuit of knowledge and unrelenting determination. It is this mindset that allows Nigerians to thrive in environments where others may falter, making them highly valuable assets in a global talent pool.

The Global Need for Talent

As our world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, innovation, and specialised knowledge, the demand for skilled talent continues to be on the rise. Countries with the most notable skill shortages are predicted to face acute labor shortages in 2025. Germany, for example, struggles to find workers in healthcare and engineering. Canada’s economic expansion has opened up opportunities in technology and skilled trades. United States continues to require top tech and healthcare sector workers as demand increases. United Kingdom has Brexit and demographic shifts deepening skill shortages. From the tech industry to healthcare, engineering, finance, and beyond, every sector requires individuals with not just expertise, but also the soft skills that enable them to adapt, collaborate, and lead in dynamic environments. With its deep-rooted commitment to education, a growing number of Nigerians are pursuing higher education both domestically and internationally, equipping themselves with the tools needed to contribute on the global stage.

Furthermore, the rise of digital platforms and remote work has further expanded the opportunities for global talent exchange. Companies are no longer limited by geographic location when hiring employees. The opportunity to access Nigerian talent is now more feasible than ever, creating a global demand for the problem-solving skills, adaptability, and innovation that are inherent in the Nigerian workforce.

Other Advantages: Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Beyond resilience and a hunger for knowledge, Nigeria has emerged as a hub for technological innovation in recent years. The Nigerian tech ecosystem, particularly in cities like Lagos, is thriving, with numerous tech startups receiving international attention and investment. The country is home to one of the largest tech communities in Africa, producing innovative solutions in fields like fintech, e-commerce, agtech, and health tech. The rapid growth of the Nigerian tech sector underscores the country’s ability to develop and export highly skilled professionals in emerging industries, particularly in technology, software development, and artificial intelligence.

Additionally, entrepreneurship is deeply embedded in Nigerian culture. The country has a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem, with Nigerians often pursuing business ventures both locally and abroad. This entrepreneurial spirit promotes creativity, risk-taking, and innovation—traits that are highly valuable in a global talent marketplace. Nigerians, both in their home country and in diaspora, are recognised for their ability to spot opportunities, develop solutions, and build businesses that thrive under challenging conditions. This capacity to innovate and create solutions makes Nigerian talent highly adaptable and able to perform in a variety of international contexts.

Besides, the rise of Nigerian diaspora networks also offers a powerful advantage in the global talent market. Nigerians who have studied or worked abroad are now returning home or maintaining strong connections with local networks, providing access to global job markets, funding opportunities, and international partnerships. These diaspora networks help bridge the gap between Nigeria and the rest of the world, facilitating the exchange of ideas, resources, and talent across borders.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Nigeria’s talent is abundant, there are challenges to fully realising its potential as a global talent exporter. Some of these challenges include underdeveloped infrastructure, limited access to quality education, and the brain drain phenomenon, where many skilled Nigerians seek opportunities abroad. Despite these obstacles, the country has made major strides in improving its educational system and encouraging the growth of sectors like technology and entrepreneurship.
In addition, the Nigerian government, in partnership with the private sector, must prioritise the development of the education system and create an environment where local talents can thrive alongside the desire to seek opportunities abroad. Additionally, the increasing trend of remote work presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leverage its pool of skilled professionals, without the need for them to physically relocate.

Economic Implications of Governmental and Private Sector Focus on Talent Export in Nigeria

Focusing on the export of top-tier talent could unlock enormous economic potential for Nigeria. By prioritising the development of human capital, both through governmental policy and private sector investment, Nigeria stands to gain in terms of job creation, GDP growth, technological innovation, and international partnerships. This shift can fuel Nigeria’s economic transformation, not only benefiting the country domestically but also positioning it as a key player in the global talent market. The economic implications are profound, with potential benefits extending across multiple sectors. We will now look into how a strategic focus on talent export can impact Nigeria’s economy, with a particular focus on the following: job creation, GDP growth, attracting foreign investment, and technological advancement.

1. Job Creation and Talent Development: One major direct benefit of emphasising talent export is the creation of jobs, both within the educational system and across various industries that support the talent pipeline. As Nigeria works to develop and export talent, the demand for educational infrastructure, training programs, and related services will grow exponentially.
• Educational Institutions: As more Nigerians are trained in cutting-edge fields like technology, engineering, and healthcare, universities and training centres will need to expand their admission pool, while creating thousands of seekers. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Nigerian education sector employs over 500,000 people – this number needs to scale 10X. A sharp focus on talent export could measurably increase the demand for teachers, researchers, administrators, and program developers.
• Skill Development Programs: The rise of digital platforms and online courses aimed at skill development, such as coding boot camps, project management programs, and design thinking workshops, would create jobs in the education and technology sectors. The global e-learning market is expected to reach $375 billion by 2026, and Nigeria can capture a portion of this growth through local innovation and export of digital education services – we can create our own Udemy and Coursera e-learning platforms tailored to our uniqueness.

2. GDP Growth and Economic Diversification: Focusing on the export of talent could stimulate Nigeria’s GDP by increasing the number of skilled workers both domestically and abroad. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s GDP is projected to grow at 3.5% in 2025, but a strategic focus on talent export could see this number increase significantly over time. Korn Ferry in The Future of Work, has said that “By 2030, there will be a global talent shortage of over 85 million skilled workers, resulting in an estimated $8.5 trillion loss of revenue.” Can Nigeria target to fill up 20 percent of that, given its youth population?
• Remittances: Nigeria already ranks as one of the largest recipients of remittances globally, with $23.8 billion in remittances received in 2020, according to the World Bank. This figure is poised to grow as more skilled Nigerian professionals migrate abroad, both temporarily or permanently, to provide expertise in various sectors. These remittances contribute a great deal to the country’s foreign exchange reserves, enhancing the stability of the Naira and providing additional capital for domestic investment.
• Diversification of Exports: Currently, Nigeria’s economy is heavily reliant on oil exports. However, by investing in human capital and developing the export of talent, Nigeria could create an entirely new stream of revenue. For example, the export of IT and tech services has grown rapidly in countries like India, contributing measurably to GDP growth. Nigeria could leverage its expanding tech sector, which has seen $1.5 billion in venture capital investments in 2021 alone, to create a similarly competitive talent export economy.

3. Attracting Foreign Investment: The global talent market is highly competitive, and countries that position themselves as suppliers of skilled professionals are more likely to attract foreign investments. With the right infrastructure, policies, and support, Nigeria could become a prime destination for foreign companies seeking a skilled workforce – we however urgently need to scale up our skills development centres (every ward should have a skill-up place).
• Investment in Education and Infrastructure: According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), an additional $2.3 billion in investment is required annually to improve education and skills development in Africa. If the Nigerian government and private sector commit to making these investments, the impact would be seen in the form of increased foreign direct investment (FDI). As global organisations are more likely to establish operations in countries that can provide a steady stream of skilled workers.

4. Technological Advancement and Innovation: By focusing on talent development, Nigeria has the potential to contribute immensely to the global technology landscape. Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem, particularly in cities like Lagos, has the potential to position the country as an emerging leader in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and fintech – we need to replicate this across every state of the federation.
• Global Tech Startups: According to Partech Ventures, the African tech startup ecosystem raised $4.8 billion in 2021. Nigerian startups represent a notable portion of this growth, with companies like Flutterwave (now an American company headquartered in California) and Andela leading the charge. By investing in talent development and the export of tech professionals, Nigeria can expand its footprint in the global technology space and continue to attract investments in innovation and research.

Conclusion

Nigeria has imminent potential to become a leading exporter of talent, driven by its youthful population, resilient culture, and intellectual heritage. By harnessing these advantages, the country can capitalise on the growing global demand for skilled professionals, creating economic opportunities for individuals and contributing to global industries. The government, in partnership with the private sector, must prioritise education, skill development, and infrastructure to fully unlock Nigeria’s potential as a talent powerhouse. Through careful planning, investment in human capital, and strategic alignment with global market trends, Nigeria can solidify its place on the world stage as a supplier of highly skilled professionals, contributing to the nation’s economic growth while strengthening its position as a leader in talent export.

Thank you for the investment in time and attention, and I am open to stretching these thoughts on better ways to mentor the next wave of experts. To be alerted each time I create a new post, follow my Medium: https://medium.com/@roariyo and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olufemiariyo/ or send an email to [email protected]