•Links graduates with employers
Maureen Okpe
The Nigerian Talent UK Educated (NTUKE) Fair has reaffirmed its mission to boost employability and strengthen Nigeria’s workforce by connecting UK-educated graduates with local employers, ensuring that the country maximises the benefits of its investment in international education.
The sixth 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 labour market needs.
According to Emma Tarrant-Tayou, Director of G3, the initiative is designed to address the growing disconnect between employers and graduates.
Employers seek Nigerian talent with global experience. Yet, jobs often go unfilled by the right candidates. What we want to do is bring both groups together so they can understand what employers are looking for, and help job seekers better position themselves in the labour market,” she explained.
Tarrant-Tayou noted that in just five years, six UK universities had educated about 10,000 Nigerians, describing the pool as a vital resource for national development. She added that NTUKE has already produced success stories, with participants securing interviews, landing jobs, or gaining inspiration to start businesses in Nigeria.
Loretta Laoye, Managing Director of UHR Consult, said the fair is filling an essential gap in graduate preparation.
“Often, candidates do not really have a sense of direction. When you ask 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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Similarly, Chiamaka Chikobogwe, Student Recruitment Manager at Coventry University, stressed the value of personal interaction with students.
“Most of the time, students are uncertain 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 said.
This year’s fair featured Bangor University, Buckinghamshire New University, Coventry University, Robert Gordon University, the University of Bradford, the University of Nottingham, and Kaplan International Pathways.