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By Zika Bobby
As investments in Nigerian youth skills and employability programmes continue to grow, pressure is mounting on funders to demonstrate clear job creation and sustainable impact. To address this challenge, ALX Africa convened foundations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and development partners for a roundtable discussion themed: “From Funding to Outcomes.”
Speaking at the session, held on Wednesday at ALX’s Lagos office, Ruby Igwe, Regional Manager for West and Central Africa at ALX, highlighted that the sector’s primary obstacle is execution rather than funding.
“There is real money going into youth skills and employability in this country, but too many programmes fail to deliver the jobs and change they promise. They rarely fail at the funding stage; they lose their way in execution and delivery. That is the critical gap we need to close,” Igwe said.
As an implementation partner for large-scale youth initiatives, ALX highlighted its track record in Nigeria, where more than 150,000 young people have completed its programmes and transitioned into employment, career advancement, or improved livelihoods.
Roundtable participants discussed successful strategies in youth development, identified key delivery shortcomings, and outlined what funders expect from execution partners. The dialogue also focused on building stronger cross-sector partnerships to scale impactful, job-linked initiatives across Nigeria.
Notable attendees included:
Olaolu Akogun, Acting Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria Olorunfemi Micheal, Secretary, Rotary Club Temitope Okunnu, Founder, FABE International Foundation Anita Agbakoba, Growth and Partnership Manager, TechQuest STEM Academy ALX continues to support learners beyond graduation through mentorship networks and regular grant-readiness workshops designed to help alumni secure funding for entrepreneurial ventures.
