World youth skills day: JMG urges stronger industry-education partnership to build future-ready workforce

By Editor

Chief Human Resources Officer, JMG Limited, Gloria Ibeziako (centre), with Industrial Training (IT) Staff during the company’s commemoration of World Youth Skills Day, in Lagos.

JMG Limited has called for deeper collaboration between government, industry and educational institutions to equip young Nigerians with the future-ready skills needed to drive innovation, improve employability and accelerate sustainable economic growth.

The company made the call as the world commemorates World Youth Skills Day 2026, celebrated annually on July 15. This year’s theme, “Skills for a Shared Future,” underscores the growing importance of equipping young people with technical, digital, artificial intelligence, green and soft skills required to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

Beyond advocating stronger partnerships, the company said it has continued to invest in practical learning opportunities that expose students to real-world industrial environments and help bridge the gap between classroom education and workplace demands.

As part of its commitment to youth development, the company hosted engineering students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at its Gbagada facility in March to mark World Engineering Day. During the visit, JMG’s engineering team guided the students through key production processes, providing first-hand experience of engineering innovation and modern manufacturing practices that support sustainable industrial development.

The company also welcomed science students from Wellspring College to the same facility during its 2026 Children’s Day celebration. The students toured the assembly and production lines under the supervision of the company’s production team, gaining practical insights into engineering systems, manufacturing operations and industrial processes.

According to the company, the initiatives reflect its commitment to developing the next generation of engineers, innovators and technology professionals by providing practical exposure that complements classroom learning.

Chief Human Resources Officer, JMG Limited Gloria Ibeziako (centre), with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and Industrial Training (IT) Staff during the company’s World Youth Skills Day celebration, in Lagos.

Speaking on the significance of World Youth Skills Day, JMG’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Gloria Ibeziako, said deliberate investment in skills development and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industry are essential to preparing young people for the future of work.

“The future of every economy depends on the quality of its people. As technology continues to reshape industries, we must ensure that young people are equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with the digital, problem-solving and collaborative skills that will enable them to compete and succeed anywhere in the world,” she said.

Ibeziako noted that while emerging technologies are transforming workplaces, they are also creating new opportunities for young people willing to embrace continuous learning and innovation.

She added that businesses have a critical role to play in developing the next generation of professionals through mentorship, workplace exposure and technical training that complement formal education.

“Beyond creating jobs, organisations should support practical learning through mentorship, workplace exposure and technical training that bridge the gap between education and industry,” she said.

She stressed that empowering young Nigerians with relevant skills is critical to strengthening the country’s industrial capacity and long-term economic prosperity.

“Skills development is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in national progress. By nurturing a workforce that is innovative, adaptable and future-focused, we are laying the foundation for stronger industries, more resilient businesses and shared prosperity.”

JMG said building a future-ready workforce requires sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure young people have access to quality learning opportunities that prepare them for the demands of an evolving global economy.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to promoting innovation, technical excellence and strategic partnerships that will empower the next generation with the knowledge, practical experience and opportunities needed to thrive in the industries of the future.