West African Vocational Education (WAVE)
West African Vocational Education (WAVE)
Broader Sectors
- Livelihoods - Lokumu/Dignity
- Vocational Training - Sani/Wisdom
- Youth - Sani/Wisdom
Demographic Focus
- Youth
Cohort: 01
- West Africa
- Nigeria
West African Vocational Education (WAVE) is tackling youth unemployment by getting young people work-ready through skills development and helping employers find untapped talent for their businesses. The social venture’s unique screen-train-match-support model places competencies over credentials, putting trainees in charge of their own learning with experiential instructional methods. WAVE’s team has deftly leveled the playing field for thousands of Nigerian youths in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Cross River, and Kano states since 2013. WAVE also promotes a “competencies over credentials” philosophy with their ReadyForWork movement.
Partner Impact
Leadership Highlight
Molade Adeniyi
Molade Adeniyi is CEO of WAVE, an organisation focused on levelling the playing field for young people to access the skills and the opportunity to become what they imagine. Molade is extremely passionate about social change and youth development. She believes that no one should be left behind.
Molade’s experience includes Business Development, operational and strategic management of special projects in line with the organization’s strategy for growth, Learning and Development, Marketing & Communications as well as People Management. She is a 2021 West Africa Acumen Fellow.
By 2050, it is estimated that Africa will have the largest population of youth globally. As young people are set to represent an important share of the continent’s population, it is imperative to note the risks that can arise if the young population is not given the opportunities needed to improve their lives. Young people are extremely resilient and innovative, and with the right skills and opportunities, the outcome is mind-blowing. I look forward to a world where African youth have the skills and the opportunities to become what they imagine! This world is possible.
