Education stakeholders at the 2026 Ultimate Pathways Fair in Lagos have called for increased investment in nurturing student talents to harness Nigeria's creative economy, emphasizing the need for structured guidance and commercialization of skills. The conference, organized by Plumptre Advisory, took place on September 25-26 and brought together educators, industry experts, and policymakers to explore pathways connecting students' abilities with opportunities in the creative and broader economy.
Lai Koiki, chairman of the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN), stressed the importance of aligning education with students' unique abilities, interests, and aspirations. 'The right choice is not always the most fashionable. It is the choice that fits the student’s abilities, interests, values, aspirations, and circumstances,' she said. Koiki highlighted the need for mentorship that blends extracurricular activities with traditional education to prepare young people for evolving career landscapes.
Yemisi Ogunlade, principal consultant at Plumptre Advisory, outlined the conference’s goals to simplify international admissions and provide tailored guidance for students. 'The Ultimate Pathways Fair 2026 aims to help young people identify educational environments where they will not merely survive but step into their destiny,' she stated. The event also sought to foster direct engagement between parents, students, and educational leaders.
Abimbola Olashore, president & chairman of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, underscored the creative economy’s potential beyond traditional roles. 'The creative industry includes producers, lawyers, accountants, and data analysts—every face that contributes to the ecosystem,' he said. Olashore criticized the lack of structural support, such as contracts to protect intellectual property, which hinders talent development.
Tochukwu MacFoy, founder of Energize Central&SameEnergy Global, emphasized the global scale of the creative economy. 'Africa’s median age of 19 and technological connectivity make the creative sector a serious business,' he argued. He noted that emerging careers in music, film, and digital content creation offer high-earning opportunities, challenging perceptions of the sector as a mere hobby.
Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, founder & group CEO of Zapphaire Events Group, shared her transition from legal practice to event management, highlighting the industry’s job multiplier effect. 'Event management involves creative designers, photographers, logistics teams, and more—generating billions in revenue,' she said. Her experience reflects the need for broader recognition of non-traditional careers.
The discussions underscored the public-interest implications of investing in student talents to drive economic growth. Stakeholders called for policies that protect intellectual property, enhance educational guidance, and bridge the gap between creativity and commercial viability. With Nigeria’s youth population poised to shape the future, the conference highlighted the urgency of redefining career pathways.
The 2026 Ultimate Pathways Fair serves as a critical platform for reimagining education and economic strategies. By prioritizing student-centered approaches, Nigeria can unlock its creative potential and position itself as a global player in the evolving knowledge economy.
Plumptre Advisory’s event aligns with broader efforts to address systemic challenges in education and entrepreneurship. As stakeholders continue advocating for structural reforms, the focus remains on empowering young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The conference’s emphasis on practical solutions and collaboration signals a shift toward actionable strategies for Nigeria’s creative sector. With increased investment and awareness, the nation’s youth could become pivotal drivers of innovation and economic resilience.
BusinessDay Nigeria reported on the event, highlighting the growing consensus among educators and industry leaders to prioritize talent development as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic future.