As I was sat waiting at the top table during the introductions for a seminar three things struck me.  One - I have now been in Nigeria for more than six months, its 30 degrees and I am starting to feel the cold of the air-conditioning units.  Two - I need to reduce the length of my presentation to reflect the fact its getting closer to the lunchtime refreshment slot.  The audience will get restless.  And three - poor decision-making started my day.  I went for the light grey suit as a monsoon arrived.  The audience I’m sure, all wearing dark suits, knew something of the impending weather.  As London Transport would say, it’s inclement!

London Metropolitan University is running a seminar on Partnerships.  I was speaking about how partnerships can develop your business internationally.  But the more I think about it the more I feel the partnership is business and education.  We hear it all the time.  Incubation centres, business parks, knowledge transfer.  The links between the knowledge providers and business are much closer now.  Business sees the benefits of being closer to the educational establishments, whether in the UK or overseas.  To influence, to be involved and to ultimately benefit by having a potential workforce with the correct skills in the right places.  And the students find  employment in their fields. It’s not rocket science really when you stop and think. 

London Metropolitan University will be celebrating 5 years on the ground in Nigeria during this particular visit.  By simply being the organiser and lead for today’s event they are clear on the values of partnership. The value of universities working hand in hand with businesses and stakeholders.  And the opportunities that relationship provides.

The education and skills export sector earns the UK around £28 billion a year, compared to automotive (£20 billion), financial services (£19 billion) and healthcare (£14 billion). Around 70 percent of this comes from the sale of education and training services; the balance is made up from broadcasting, publishing and the sales of education equipment. The UK is a world leader in the manufacture and supply of learning resources and English language training.

80% of Nigerian graduates find difficulty getting graduate jobs.  Maybe the definition of a graduate job has changed.  This makes it even more important for business and education to liase more closely, and more directly, to ensure we train people for the future.  And business should also ensure they make the best use of the excellent skills graduates often have to offer. There is talent here for your business.

The private sector skills shortage and the Nigerian governments local content policy predominantly drive the Nigerian market in the major sectors such as Financial Services, ICT and Oil & Gas. These sectors are pushing ahead, and British businesses are increasingly seeing the opportunities. Couple this with a 160 million English speaking population growing exponentially and you conclude this is a market that is difficult to ignore. Whether you are Londonmet or a niche sectoral trainer, Nigeria is almost certainly worth a quick look.