Nigeria Urged to Introduce Supply Chain Management Courses in Schools
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A leading supply chain management (SCM) expert, Yetunde Adeoye, has called for the integration of SCM courses into Nigeria’s high school and university curricula, arguing that early education in the field is critical to boosting industry efficiency and economic growth.
Speaking at a conference with Nigerian educators, Adeoye—Managing Partner at ADKO Investment Ltd and a member of the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM), United States—highlighted the growing importance of SCM in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, and e-commerce. However, she warned that a lack of structured academic training is leaving many graduates unprepared for careers in the sector.
A Knowledge Gap Holding Back Economic Growth
“The inclusion of supply chain management as a standalone course in Nigerian colleges is crucial,” Adeoye stated. “Nigeria’s expanding industries require professionals who can optimise supply chains for efficiency and profitability. Without formal SCM education, many employees enter the field with no prior knowledge, forcing companies to invest heavily in training, which ultimately affects productivity.”
With over 20 years of experience in global supply chain operations, Adeoye explained that Nigeria is falling behind in developing a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of modern logistics, procurement, and distribution.
As supply chains become increasingly digital and automated, she warned that Nigeria risks losing its competitive edge in global trade unless it prioritises SCM education.
“Many Nigerian graduates lack specialised knowledge in supply chain logistics, procurement, and inventory management, leading to inefficiencies across various sectors,” she said. “A well-trained supply chain workforce will enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.”
SCM: A Pathway to Jobs and Entrepreneurship
Adeoye stressed that formal SCM education would not only equip graduates with job-ready skills but also encourage entrepreneurship.
“Graduates with SCM expertise can help businesses minimise costs, reduce waste, and improve service delivery,” she said. “With the right knowledge, students can even establish logistics firms, supply chain consultancies, or procurement agencies, contributing to entrepreneurial growth.”
She urged government agencies, private sector players, and educational institutions to collaborate in making SCM a core part of Nigeria’s national curriculum.
“The Nigerian government and educational bodies should introduce SCM as a full-fledged course or integrate it into business and engineering programmes. Colleges must also work closely with industry experts to develop practical, industry-relevant curricula,” she suggested.
Bridging the Awareness Gap
Adeoye also proposed career workshops, industry-led seminars, and mentorship programmes to raise awareness about SCM career opportunities among students.
“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 further emphasised the role of public-private partnerships in driving the initiative, calling on businesses to work alongside universities to create internships, apprenticeships, and industry-driven training programmes.
As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its economy and industrial base, Adeoye’s recommendations serve as a crucial roadmap for ensuring that the next generation of professionals is equipped to optimise supply chains, improve business efficiency, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global trade.
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