The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has collaborated with recruitment agencies, off-takers, and sponsors to assist candidates in securing placements for its Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP). GIPP is a program that offers three weeks of training for first-degree holders, followed by a three-month placement with partnering organizations.
During a stakeholders’ forum on GIPP at NECA House Event Centre in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment emphasized the goal of empowering more youths in the state and reducing unemployment. The state government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has heavily invested in GIPP to provide training and internship opportunities for candidates.
The partnership with private organizations is crucial for the success of the program, as it aims to transition trained graduates into intern roles within different sectors. The government is seeking sustainable collaborations with the private sector to ensure the continuous engagement and employment of young graduates.
In addition, a representative from Human Capital Partners commended the government’s initiative to enhance the workforce and facilitate career development. Some challenges facing the program include limited internship slots, financial constraints, proximity to placement locations, and unresponsiveness from off-takers.