The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has intensified efforts to improve internship placements for graduates under its Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP). To achieve this, the ministry has engaged recruitment agencies, off-takers, and sponsors to facilitate placements and ensure better employability for young professionals.

GIPP is an initiative designed to equip first-degree holders with essential workplace skills through a three-week training program, followed by a three-month internship with partnering organizations.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on GIPP at NECA House Event Centre, Ikeja, on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships with private sector organizations to create more opportunities for graduates.

“The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has done so well in bringing people together to enhance employability. We are training graduates to take them off the streets, but many trained candidates still struggle to secure internship placements,” Ajigbotafe stated.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to bridging this gap by collaborating with private sector players.

“We need the private sector to step in and support this initiative. We are engaging recruitment agencies to ensure that after training, they absorb these graduates. Our goal is a sustainable partnership that provides continuous internship placements and long-term employment opportunities,” he added.

Managing Partner at Human Capital Partners, Innocent Oseghe, commended the initiative and its role in strengthening the workforce while ensuring career growth for young professionals.

However, he noted several challenges affecting the program, including a shortage of internship slots, financial constraints, sponsorship limitations, location-related difficulties, and a lack of responsiveness from some off-takers.

The Lagos State Government remains committed to addressing these challenges by fostering stronger partnerships with the private sector to ensure that young graduates gain meaningful work experience, enhancing their employability in the long run.