By Business Correspondent
JMG Limited has called for stronger collaboration among government, industry and educational institutions to equip young Nigerians with future-ready skills capable of driving innovation, improving employability and accelerating sustainable economic growth.
The integrated electro-mechanical solutions company made the call to commemorate World Youth Skills Day 2026, observed annually on July 15. This year's theme, "Skills for a Shared Future," underscores the importance of equipping young people with technical, digital, artificial intelligence, green and human-centred skills required to thrive in an evolving global economy.
JMG said preparing young people for the future requires deliberate investment in practical learning and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector.
The company highlighted several initiatives undertaken this year to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.
In March, JMG hosted engineering students from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at its Gbagada facility as part of activities marking World Engineering Day. During the industrial tour, the students were exposed to key production processes and engineering innovations through hands-on interactions with the company's engineering team.
Similarly, during the 2026 Children's Day celebration, science students from Wellspring College visited the facility, where they received practical demonstrations of manufacturing operations, assembly processes and engineering systems from JMG's production team.
According to the company, the initiatives are designed to expose young people to real-world industrial practices while nurturing the next generation of engineers, innovators and technology professionals.
Speaking on the significance of the day, JMG's Chief Human Resources Officer, Gloria Ibeziako, said Nigeria's economic future depends largely on the quality of its workforce and the relevance of the skills they possess.
"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 disrupting traditional industries, they are also creating fresh opportunities for young people willing to embrace innovation and continuous learning.
She urged businesses to play a more active role in workforce development by supporting mentorship programmes, workplace exposure and technical training that better prepare graduates for industry demands.
"Businesses have an important role to play in developing the next generation of professionals. Beyond creating jobs, organisations should support practical learning through mentorship, workplace exposure and technical training that bridge the gap between education and industry," she added.
According to her, investing in skills development extends beyond individual career advancement and contributes directly to national economic development.
"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 reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth development through engineering excellence, innovation and strategic partnerships that provide young Nigerians with practical learning opportunities and industry exposure.
The company maintained that sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors remains essential to building a workforce capable of meeting the demands of an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
As the world commemorates World Youth Skills Day 2026, JMG said it will continue to champion initiatives that promote technical excellence, innovation and skills development as key drivers of Nigeria's industrialisation and long-term economic prosperity.
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