A new report by the Lagos State Ministry of Planning and Budget has revealed that most jobseekers in Lagos possess only a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE), while just 27.72% hold a bachelor’s degree.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the findings, published in The Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU) 2025, highlight a significant skills gap in the state’s labour market, where a large percentage of jobseekers lack the educational qualifications required for higher-skilled roles.
According to the report, 41.8% of Lagos jobseekers have SSCE as their highest qualification, making them the largest category of job seekers.
Those with a bachelor’s degree follow at 27.72%, while 16.9% possess mid-level qualifications such as an Ordinary National Diploma (OND), a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), or a Higher National Diploma (HND).
A smaller proportion, 12.06%, have qualifications below SSCE, bringing the total number of jobseekers with at least an SSCE to 87.9%.
The report warns that Lagos jobseekers may struggle to secure higher-paying or specialized jobs due to their educational limitations.
PLATFORM TIMES further reports that many available positions require advanced qualifications, which a large portion of jobseekers do not have.
“Over 50 percent of jobseekers may struggle to secure higher-skilled roles due to qualification requirements,” the report noted.
Although an SSCE qualification meets the basic requirement for many entry-level jobs, it does not necessarily provide the specialized skills needed for technical or professional roles in an increasingly competitive job market.
The report calls for greater investment in higher education, vocational training, and skill development programs to improve job prospects in Lagos.
“The data underscores the importance of higher education in enhancing job prospects within the Lagos labour market,” it stated.
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