Despite Graduate Surge in Nigeria, Moniepoint CEO Says Non Qualified to fill 500 Vacancies, His Comment Will Shock You.

Despite Nigerian universities churning out thousands of graduates every year, chief executive officer of Moniepoint, Tosin Eniolorunda, says his fintech firm is unable to find qualified applicants to fill hundreds of roles.

Speaking recently at The Platform in Lagos, Eniolorunda revealed that the company currently has about 500 vacancies but is struggling to recruit candidates who meet its standards.

A video of his remarks has since circulated widely on social media. According to him, Moniepoint had made a deliberate shift to hire exclusively within Nigeria.

However, the company has found it difficult to identify candidates who possess both the required skills and the level of competence needed to compete globally.

He explained that while some applicants were available, many did not meet the quality threshold expected of a firm operating on an international stage.

Moniepoint, he noted, competes not just with local firms but with global players, including companies from China, making it essential to employ world-class talent.

Eniolorunda attributed the talent gap to structural issues within Nigeria’s education system, as well as broader societal influences.

He suggested that the learning environment, social media consumption, and evolving cultural values are shaping the capabilities and aspirations of young people.

He also raised concerns about the growing appeal of quick-money schemes and internet fraud, warning that such trends are affecting the mindset and long-term ambitions of many youths.

In addition, he pointed to the continued emigration of skilled professionals, commonly referred to as “japa”, as a major factor worsening the talent shortage.

Despite Nigeria’s large population, he argued that the country must focus on developing its human capital, improving education outcomes, and promoting more sustainable career pathways to address the widening skills gap.