Yetunde Adeoye, a leading Supply Chain Management (SCM) expert and Managing Partner at ADKO Investment Ltd, has called for the inclusion of SCM courses in Nigerian high schools and universities. Speaking at a conference with Nigerian educators, Adeoye emphasized the need for early-stage awareness and structured academic programs to address the knowledge gap and enhance career opportunities in the sector.
Adeoye, who has over 20 years of experience in global supply chain operations and is a member of the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM), United States, highlighted the crucial role of SCM in business operations, logistics, procurement, and distribution. She noted that despite its significance, SCM remains largely underrepresented in Nigerian institutions, leaving many graduates unprepared for careers in the field.
“The inclusion of Supply Chain Management as a standalone course in Nigerian colleges is crucial,” Adeoye stated. “Nigeria’s expanding industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and retail, require professionals who can optimize supply chains for efficiency and profitability. Without formal SCM education, many employees enter the field with no prior knowledge, forcing companies to spend significant resources on training, which affects productivity.”
Adeoye explained that SCM offers vast career prospects in industries such as e-commerce, procurement, and supply chain consultancy, helping to create more job opportunities for young graduates. She also emphasized that in today’s globalized economy, Nigeria needs skilled supply chain professionals to remain competitive in international trade.
“With the rise of digital supply chains and automation in logistics, we need an educated workforce that can adapt to technological advancements. Many Nigerian graduates lack specialized knowledge in supply chain logistics, procurement, and inventory management, leading to inefficiencies across various sectors. A well-trained supply chain workforce will enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness,” she added.
Adeoye further outlined the benefits of introducing SCM into Nigerian colleges, stating, “Graduates with SCM expertise can help businesses minimize costs, reduce waste, and improve service delivery. With the right knowledge, students can even establish logistics firms, supply chain consultancies, or procurement agencies, contributing to entrepreneurial growth.”
She urged the Nigerian government, private sector, and educational institutions to collaborate in integrating SCM into the national curriculum. “The Nigerian government and educational bodies should introduce SCM as a full-fledged course or integrate it into business and engineering programs. Colleges must also work closely with industry experts to develop practical, industry-relevant curricula,” she suggested.
Adeoye called for increased awareness among students, proposing career workshops, industry-led seminars, and mentorship programs. “We need to educate students on SCM career prospects through guest lectures, media campaigns, and collaborations with logistics and supply chain companies. This will ensure that more young people see SCM as a viable and rewarding career path,” she explained.
She also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving this initiative, stating, “We must partner with logistics companies, manufacturing firms, and e-commerce platforms to provide internships and hands-on training. Private-sector investment in SCM education through scholarships, research funding, and academic partnerships is also crucial.”
Concluding her remarks, Adeoye stressed the need for government support in making SCM education a national priority. “The Nigerian Ministry of Education should establish policies mandating SCM inclusion in higher education. Funding must also be allocated to equip colleges with the necessary resources, including modern logistics laboratories and simulation centers,” she said.
Adeoye reaffirmed that integrating SCM into Nigeria’s educational system is essential for economic development, employment generation, and global trade competitiveness. “A well-structured SCM education system will not only benefit students and enhance their career prospects but also strengthen Nigeria’s industrial and commercial sectors, positioning the country as a hub for efficient supply chain operations in Africa,” she concluded.
“Graduates with SCM expertise can help businesses minimize costs, reduce waste, and improve service delivery. With the right knowledge, students can even establish logistics firms, supply chain consultancies, or procurement agencies, contributing to entrepreneurial growth.”
