Moniepoint CEO Bemoans Severe Skills Gap as 500 Positions Remain Unfilled in Nigeria

Tosin Eniolorunda, the Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint, revealed that the company is facing difficulties in filling approximately 500 job openings due to a lack of qualified candidates in Nigeria, a challenge he discussed at an event in Lagos on May 1, which has since been shared online.

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Eniolorunda explained that despite the company's efforts to prioritize local hiring, it has struggled to find suitable candidates, stating that a visit to Moniepoint's career website would show around 500 vacancies that remain unfilled.

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He emphasized that the issue extends beyond the number of applicants, as the quality of available candidates has also been a significant challenge, with few meeting the company's required standards.

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Eniolorunda noted that Moniepoint operates in a highly competitive global environment, necessitating the recruitment of top-tier talent to maintain relevance, and that the company is not just competing with local players, but on a global scale.

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He underscored the need for world-class employees, saying that he must ensure his organization is staffed with the best people to succeed in a global market.

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Eniolorunda attributed the talent gap to structural issues, including weaknesses in the education system and shifting societal values among young Nigerians, expressing concern about the decline in reasoning and problem-solving skills.

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He also voiced worries about the growing allure of internet fraud and the quick-money culture, which he believes is impacting the long-term career focus of young people and contributing to a decline in intellectual curiosity.

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The CEO further highlighted the ongoing migration of skilled professionals, known as "japa," as a significant factor contributing to the shortage of talent in Nigeria.

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Eniolorunda stressed the importance of investing in human capital development, urging stakeholders to promote sustainable career paths and provide better role models for young people to emulate.

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In a country with a population of over 200 million people, he argued that there are many alternatives to pursuing quick wealth or trying to become a "big boy," and that these alternatives should be emphasized to young people.