From Education to Employment: A Human Rights Approach to Development Finance and Skills Policy in Nigeria
Abstract
The persistent skills mismatch between education outputs and the labour market demands in Nigeria creates a critical barrier to realising the human rights to education, work, and development, as recognised under national and international law. This study examines how policy frameworks and financing mechanisms, especially those supported by Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) can be better aligned to create a responsive, rights-based skills ecosystem. Using a qualitative policy analysis, it reviews the National Skills Qualification Framework, the National Youth Policy, and selected DFI interventions in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Data from policy documents, programme evaluations, and secondary literature were analysed to assess the integration of financing tools, public-private partnerships and labour market intelligence into skills development strategies. Findings show that while progressive policies exist, weak institutional coordination, inadequate funding, and poor industry connections hinder the fulfilment of human rights obligations in education and employment. The study recommends aligning DFI investments with sectoral and regional labour market needs, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and institutionalising labour market data systems to guide training priorities. Such reforms would advance human rights, promote inclusion, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in line with its constitutional and international commitments.
Keywords
Skills Mismatch, TVET, Development Finance, Vocational Training, Human Rights Obligations
Citations
IRE Journals:
Dr. Safiyyah Ummu Mohammed "From Education to Employment: A Human Rights Approach to Development Finance and Skills Policy in Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 9 2026 Page 2478-2486 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715502
IEEE:
Dr. Safiyyah Ummu Mohammed
"From Education to Employment: A Human Rights Approach to Development Finance and Skills Policy in Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(9) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715502
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