The founder of the pioneering Pan-African furniture manufacturing training institute, The Majeurs Academy, Demi Samande has called for increased investment in skilled workforce in the Nigerian manufacturing industry.
She also highlighted the urgency of training young artisans to bridge the skill gap.
Samande made the call at the maiden graduation ceremony held for 15 young professionals who have completed intensive training in furniture design, carpentry and upholstery at the institute.
The event was held at the prestigious Trinity House Center, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In her opening remarks, the founder of the Academy, Samande, highlighted the need for sustainability in the Nigerian manufacturing industry.
She said, “The genesis of Majeurs Academy really started from a need I saw when I began my journey in Nigeria. The industry had significant gaps, and it was clear that whatever we were doing in the present moment was not going to be sustainable in the long run. When I look at the global manufacturing landscape, I see longevity—companies that have stood the test of time due to the quality of their work. That is what we must aspire to in Nigeria.”
She emphasized that one of the biggest challenges in Nigeria’s furniture manufacturing industry is the human capital deficit.
“The average artisan in a manufacturing firm is 42 years old. That tells us we are not training nearly enough young people, nor are we investing in their futures. With a 48% youth unemployment rate, this is not just an economic issue; it’s a national crisis,” she stated.
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