A new report has revealed that most jobseekers in Lagos have only a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE), with just 27.72% holding a bachelor’s degree.
The Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU) 2025, released by the Lagos State Ministry of Planning and Budget, found that 41.8% of jobseekers in the state have SSCE as their highest qualification. Meanwhile, 16.9% hold mid-level qualifications such as an Ordinary National Diploma (OND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), or Higher National Diploma (HND).
This raises concerns about the city’s workforce readiness, as many available jobs require specialized skills or higher education.
Challenges in the Lagos Job Market
The report highlights a growing skills gap, warning that more than half of jobseekers may struggle to secure high-skilled roles. Many available positions demand technical expertise or advanced degrees, which a large portion of applicants lack.
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While 87.9% of jobseekers possess at least an SSCE, experts say this is often insufficient for well-paying jobs in Lagos’ evolving labor market. The report stresses that without further education or vocational training, many jobseekers will continue to face underemployment and economic hardship.
Addressing the Education and Skills Gap
To tackle the issue, experts are calling for greater investment in higher education, vocational training, and digital skills development. Without these efforts, thousands of Lagos residents may remain trapped in low-income or unstable jobs.
“The data underscores the importance of higher education in improving job prospects,” the report stated. Analysts warn that failing to act on these findings could widen economic disparities and limit opportunities for young jobseekers in Africa’s largest city.
