Founder of the Young and Gifted Youth Development Initiative (YAGYDI) a UK-licensed radiographer, Wiki Health Africa Fellow, and Affinity Innovative Hub, Kamal Alao Ashimiyu called for an urgent restructuring of Nigeria’s education system, warning that the country risks producing graduates for jobs that no longer exist if it fails to embed essential skills into its curriculum.

In this interview with the Daily Times, Ashimiyu speaks on the widening skills gap, the future of education in 2026, sustainability beyond donor funding, and why leadership integrity is non-negotiable in Nigeria’s development journey. THERESA DONATUS brings excerpt.

Can you introduce yourself and your organization?

My name is Kamal Alao Ashimiyu, Founder of Young and Gifted Youth Development Initiative (YAGYDI) and Affinity Innovative Hub. For 22 years, our organization has worked at the intersection of education, skills development, and community health, focusing on improving employability outcomes for Nigerian youth.

How would you describe Nigeria’s current education landscape?

Nigeria’s education system is at a defining moment. On one hand, digital adoption is growing. On the other hand, there is a widening disconnect between classroom learning and real-world work demands.

Many students are still being prepared through theory-heavy, certificate-focused systems, while employers are searching for adaptable, problem-solving individuals. If we do not close this gap, we risk deepening unemployment and underemployment.

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However, 2026 presents opportunity. The EdTech space may grow by 15 to 20 percent, but real progress will only happen if we transition to Skill-First Education — where competence, not certificates, becomes the benchmark of success.

What makes your approach different?

We see ourselves as education innovators at the grassroots level. Government builds systems; we test and refine models. Through the Skills Builder Universal Framework from the UK, which we are localizing in Nigeria via Affinity Innovative Hub, we focus on eight essential skills: Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Staying Positive, Aiming High, Leadership, and Teamwork. These skills are not “add-ons.” They are the foundation of employability and lifelong productivity.

What structural issues must Nigeria urgently address?

The most urgent challenge is the skills gap. We are producing graduates for an economy that has evolved beyond traditional job roles. Beyond that, infrastructure deficits and insecurity in rural areas limit access to quality education. We need a decentralized system where each community has learning hubs and libraries connected to global opportunities.We must also embed Safe School frameworks and digital learning centers in underserved communities.

How does YAGYDI measure impact beyond rhetoric? 

Impact must be measurable. Using the Skills Builder benchmarking tools, we track tangible progress — for example, a student progressing from basic listening skills to critical listening competence.

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We also prioritize SDGs 3, 4, 5, and 8 — Good Health, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Decent Work. In health literacy, we monitor how community-led programs improve awareness and well-being outcomes over time. Impact is not an event. It is a trajectory.

How do you ensure inclusion for rural and vulnerable communities? 

We apply a “Last-Mile” localization strategy. That means partnering with traditional leaders, parents, and youth groups who understand local realities.

Nothing for the youth without the youth. Community involvement in programme design ensures cultural relevance and sustainability.

What guarantees sustainability after donor funding ends?

We operate a hybrid model. Affinity Innovative Hub generates revenue through Skills-as-a-Service programs, co-working spaces, podcast production, and specialized training. This revenue supports YAGYDI’s outreach. We also encourage community co-ownership of projects and leverage diaspora support through a social enterprise structure. Sustainability must be designed, not assumed.

Tell us about your partnerships.

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We are registered on the United Nations Partner Portal and collaborate with YALI Network in Kwara State and the University of Ilorin. We are also registered with Daanveda, Global Giving, and Sabi Kopa. I will soon become a Global Impact Fellow with the Skills Builder Partnership in the UK, helping integrate essential skills into education programs globally. Accountability is data-driven — every intervention must reflect measurable skill progression.

After 22 years, what milestones stand out? 

Founded in March 2004, our evolution from Young and Gifted International to YAGYDI reflects growth and adaptation.

We have developed the Education for Sustainable Employability and Career Development (ESECD) curriculum with Skills Builder Global Partnership, trained teachers and youth in essential skills, and launched our University of Ilorin chaptOur longevity in a volatile economy is proof of resilience and relevance.

What leadership lessons have you learned?

Leadership in Nigeria demands resilience, integrity, and vision. Integrity builds trust — and trust sustains institutions. Vision ensures alignment with global standards. But empathy ensures solutions remain locally grounded. If we align global best practices with local realities, Nigeria can build a workforce capable of driving its $100 billion digital ambition.

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