MAJEURS ACADEMY GRADUATES FIRST COHORT OF ARTISANS, TARGETS 25,000 YOUTHS IN 10 YEARS
Read Time:5 Minute, 18 Second
By Oduola F.A
…Founder Calls for Greater Investment in Skill Development
…100% of Graduates Secure Paid Internships, Academy Expands Online Training
The Majeurs Academy, a pioneering Pan-African furniture manufacturing training institute, marked a historic milestone with the graduation of its maiden cohort of artisans. Held at the prestigious Trinity House Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, the ceremony celebrated 15 young professionals who completed intensive training in furniture design, carpentry, and upholstery.
Beyond receiving their certificates, the graduates showcased their outstanding craftsmanship, giving guests a glimpse of the future of African furniture manufacturing. It was an inspiring occasion that underscored Majeurs Academy’s unwavering commitment to skill development, youth empowerment, and industrial growth in Nigeria’s furniture manufacturing sector.
In her address, the Founder of Majeurs Academy, Demi Samande, reflected on the inspiration behind the academy. She highlighted the need for sustainability in the Nigerian manufacturing industry and the urgency of training young artisans to bridge the skill gap.
“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,” Samande said.
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.
Despite the challenges, Samande expressed confidence in the progress made. “Our first attempt at starting the academy was quite difficult because we were facing a lot of challenges. But like many things, if you just take one step forward, opportunities and resources will meet you where you are. So we just kept stepping forward until we got what we were looking for, including teachers and funding, just to get started—even though we haven’t got all the funding in the world.”
Samande also reaffirmed the academy’s ambitious goal of training 25,000 young people in the next 10 years and ensuring they secure paid employment. “It’s not a small feat at all, but I believe very deeply that we can do it. Look at what we have achieved today with very little. Given the right resources, given the right support from both government and the private sector, and aligning with the right partners, we can achieve this vision.”
Majeurs Academy was born out of a vision to change this narrative by providing world-class training and ensuring young artisans gain the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in the sector. Samande proudly announced that 100% of the graduates had secured paid internships upon completion of their training, proving that their skills are already in demand.
“But this is just the beginning. Majeurs Academy isn’t about just training artisans; we are about placing them in paid employment, equipping them with business acumen, and ensuring they stay within the ecosystem to drive real industrial growth. Our goal is to expand this initiative across Africa, creating a new generation of master artisans who will not only sustain but revolutionize the industry,” she added.
To expand its reach, the academy recently launched an online training platform in partnership with Sterling Bank. “We are trying to facilitate our training for young people who are not necessarily in Lagos and don’t have access to our physical training programs. How can we begin to empower them in the very spaces they are? That is what we are working very hard to achieve,” Samande explained.
Samande further called on stakeholders, corporate organizations, and the government to support initiatives like Majeurs Academy. “We cannot do this alone. The future of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector depends on partnerships. We need organizations that believe in local talent and are willing to invest in skill acquisition and industrial development,” she urged.
Dr. Olamide Okulaja, Patron of the Academy, lauded the initiative, stressing its significance in reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth. “Nigeria has a high unemployment rate, and initiatives like Majeurs Academy equip young people with employable skills, making them self-reliant and potential job creators,” he stated.
He further emphasized the need for government and private sector support to scale such programs. “Industrialization cannot thrive without skilled people. We must create avenues for young people to gain hands-on training and contribute to the manufacturing sector,” Okulaja urged.
Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Ituah Ighodalo, commended the academy’s efforts and called on the government to create an enabling environment for young artisans. “Our young people are strong, eager, and innovative. They need a conducive Nigeria with great policies and security to thrive. If we have many more Majeurs Academies, unemployment will be a thing of the past,” he said.
Kemmal Onuoha, Dean of Faculty at Majeurs Academy, shed light on the academy’s structured training model. “We take young people from across Nigeria, train them for six months, and place them in six-month paid internships. Beyond training, we also connect them with funding opportunities to establish their businesses,” Onuoha explained.
He noted that the goal is to build a new generation of African artisans whose craftsmanship meets global standards. “We want to showcase African creativity to the world through high-quality, handcrafted furniture,” he added.
Toroobong Emmanuel, the valedictorian and best graduating student, shared her inspiring journey. “As a female, many doubted my ability to excel in furniture manufacturing. But I was determined. Majeurs Academy gave me the confidence and skills to create something beautiful with my hands,” she said.
Another graduate, Abdulrahman Adegorite, who received a special prize for excellence, expressed gratitude for the hands-on experience. “I can confidently operate various machines and design furniture that meets international standards. This academy has changed my life,” he stated.
The event concluded with an exhibition of students’ work, giving attendees—including investors, business leaders, and potential employers—an opportunity to support the graduates.
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