Research Article

ADVANCING EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AND WORKFORCE READINESS: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR CONTEMPORARY LABOUR MARKETS

Adebayo O AKINSANYA1*, Johnson FEJOH2, Mujaheed Gbeminiyi ADEGBOLA3
1 Department of Adult & Development Education, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State
2 Department of Educational Foundations & Counselling, Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Nigeria
3 Department of Social Work, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State
* Corresponding author: akinsanyaao@tasued.edu.ng
Published: Jun, 2026
Pages: 70 - 81
Views: 42
Downloads: 28

Abstract

The transformation of contemporary labour markets, driven by rapid technological advancement, globalisation,
and evolving work structures, has intensified the demand for a workforce equipped with multidimensional
competencies. This paper provides a conceptual analysis of employability skills and workforce readiness, with
particular attention to the challenges facing developing economies such as Nigeria. Drawing on interdisciplinary
literature and integrating insights from human capital theory, social capital theory, and the capability approach,
the study examines the persistent disconnect between formal education systems and labour market expectations.
The paper identifies key gaps in existing scholarship, notably the fragmentation of employability research and the
limited integration of individual, institutional, and policy dimensions. In response, it proposes an integrated
conceptual framework that positions workforce readiness as an emergent outcome of dynamic interactions
between skill domains (technical, soft, and digital skills), education and training systems, and contextual factors
such as policy frameworks and industry partnerships. The framework advances a systems-based perspective,
moving beyond linear and individual-centric interpretations of employability. The study contributes to the
literature by synthesising diverse theoretical and empirical strands into a coherent model that captures the
complexity of employability in contemporary labour markets. It further provides policy-relevant insights,
emphasising the need for coordinated interventions across education, industry, and governance structures to
enhance workforce readiness. The paper concludes by advocating a shift from credential-based approaches to
competence-driven human capital development, particularly in contexts characterised by structural constraints
and skills mismatches.

Keywords

Employability Skills Workforce Readiness Labour Market

References

  1. Abdullahi, H. A., Abubakar, I., & Oba, A. I. (2026). Assessment of entrepreneurship skills expectations of agricultural education undergraduates in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Bauchi International Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Studies, 2(1), 133–140.
  2. Abu, P. B., & Akinkunmi, F. A. (2020). Dynamics of human capital development and training in the 21st century. In K. O. Kester, P. B. Abu, I. A. Abiona, & J. E. Oghenekohwo (Eds.), Human and social development investments (Festschrift for Professor Mathew Oladepo Akintayo). John Archers Publishers.
  3. ACTE. (2013). ACTE CTA Today!. [https://www.acteonline.org/](https://www.acteonline.org/)
  4. Adewumi, O., & Mosaku, T. (2019). Youth unemployment in Nigeria: Causes and policy solutions. Journal of Social Policy Studies, 7(2), 45–60.
  5. Akorede, S. N., Ajayi, A., Toyin, A., & Uwadia, G. (2021). Influence of COVID-19 on the psychological wellbeing of tertiary institution students in Nigeria. Tanzania Journal of Science, 47(1), 70–79.
  6. Andrews, J., & Higson, H. (2008). Graduate employability, ‘soft skills’ versus ‘hard’ business knowledge: A European study. Higher Education in Europe, 33(4), 411–422. [https://doi.org/10.1080/03797720802522627](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1080/03797720802522627)
  7. Becker, G. S. (1993). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis, with special reference to education (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
  8. Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of education (pp. 241–258). Greenwood.
  9. Caballero, C. L., Walker, A., & Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M. (2011). The work readiness scale (WRS): Developing a measure to assess work readiness in college graduates. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 2(2), 41–54.
  10. Carnevale, A. P., & Barrington, L. (2006). Are they really ready to work? Employers’ perspectives on the basic knowledge and applied skills of new entrants to the 21st century U.S. workforce. The Conference Board. [http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/FINAL_REPORT_PDF09-29-06.pdf](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/FINAL_REPORT_PDF09-29-06.pdf)
  11. Dreyfus, S. E. (2004). The five-stage model of adult skill acquisition. Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, 24(3), 177–181. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0270467604264992](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1177/0270467604264992)
  12. Department for Education and Employment. (2007). Labour market and skill trends, 1998–2009. Business Strategies Ltd.
  13. Fugate, M., Kinicki, A. J., & Ashforth, B. E. (2004). Employability: A psycho-social construct, its dimensions, and applications. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65(1), 14–38. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2003.10.005](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2003.10.005)
  14. Gillespie, J. (2014). Higher education and key skills. The Higher Education Academy Journal, 12(9), 345–352.
  15. Harvey, L., Moon, S., & Geall, V. (2007). Graduates’ work: Organisational change and students’ attributes. Centre for Research into Quality.
  16. Heckman, J. J., & Kautz, T. (2012). Hard evidence on soft skills. Labour Economics, 19(4), 451–464.
  17. Hillage, J., & Pollard, E. (1998). Employability: Developing a framework for policy analysis. Department for Education and Employment.
  18. Hogan, T. (2011). An overview of the knowledge economy, with focus on Arizona. Arizona State University.
  19. Holmes, L. (2001). Reconsidering graduate employability: The ‘graduate identity’ approach. Quality in Higher Education, 7(2), 111–119. [https://doi.org/10.1080/13538320120060006](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1080/13538320120060006)
  20. Holzer, H. J. (2019). Technology and workforce readiness: Implications for skills training and the economy. Taylor & Francis.
  21. Ibrahim, A. (2016). A nexus between skill development, employability and higher education in Nigeria. African Journal of Higher Education Studies and Development, 4(5), 17–36.
  22. Ibrahim, A., & Olatunde, F. A. (2015). Teaching creativity and entrepreneurship in higher education: An evaluation of employability of university undergraduates in Nigeria. Journal of Teaching and Teacher Education, 3(1), 51–56.
  23. International Labour Organisation. (2022). Global employment trends for youth 2022. ILO.
  24. Kester, K. O., Olajide, M. F., & Ogidan, T. O. (2010). Influence of training on organisational commitment and job satisfaction among local government-based adult education officers in Oyo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Continuing and Non-Formal Education, 7(1), 54–69.
  25. Makki, B. I., Salleh, R., Memon, M. A., & Harun, H. (2015). The relationship between work readiness skills, career self-efficacy and career exploration among engineering graduates: A proposed framework. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology, 10(9), 1007–1011.
  26. Nayan, S. (2010). Employability awareness among Malaysian undergraduates. International Journal of Business and Management, 5(8).
  27. National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education. (2001). Higher education in the learning society. HMSO.
  28. Nuhu, K. M., Oba, A. I., Alabi, O. A., Lawal, M. A., Adewuyi, A. S., & Olumorin, C. O. (2026). Effect of artificial intelligence tools on achievement in complex STEM concepts among senior secondary school students in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Federal University Gusau Faculty of Education Journal, 6(3), 92–101. [https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2026383](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2026383)
  29. Olawuni, A. O., & Noibi, T. O. (2020). Skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development for sustainable development. In K. O. Kester et al. (Eds.), Human and social development investments. John Archers Publishers.
  30. Ojokheta, K. O., & Aderinoye, R. A. (2022). Upskilling workers with digital competencies for improved job efficiency in post-COVID-19 Nigeria. In K. O. Kester, A. M. Momoh, & A. A. Sarumi (Eds.), Education and working-class advancement and wellness.
  31. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2005). The definition and selection of key competencies: Executive summary. [http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/47/61/35070367.pdf](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/47/61/35070367.pdf)
  32. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2013). OECD skills outlook: First results from the survey of adult skills. [https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264204256-en](https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264204256-en)
  33. Okolie, U. C., Igwe, P. A., & Elom, E. N. (2020). Enhancing graduate employability: Why do higher education institutions struggle with teaching generic skills? Policy Futures in Education, 18(2), 294–313.
  34. O'Neil, H. F., Allred, K., & Baker, E. L. (1997). Review of workforce readiness theoretical frameworks. In H. F. O'Neil (Ed.), Workforce readiness competencies and assessment (pp. 3–25). Lawrence Erlbaum.
  35. Rosenberg, S., Heimler, R., & Morote, E. S. (2012). Basic employability skills: A triangular design approach. Education + Training, 54(1), 7–20. [https://doi.org/10.1108/00400911211198869](https://doi.org/10.1108/00400911211198869)
  36. Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press.
  37. Shuaib, S. B., Adesanya, E. O., Oba, A. I., Afolabi, K. O., & Jimoh, S. B. (2023). Assessing agricultural literacy among senior school students in Kwara, Nigeria: Implication for educational interventions. Indonesian Journal of Curriculum and Educational Technology Studies, 11(1), 1–8.
  38. Shukla, D. (2012). Employability skills among professionals: A study of engineering graduates in Bhopal. VSRD International Journal of Business & Management Research, 2, 418–427.
  39. Smith, E., & Krüger, J. (2011). A critical assessment of graduates' perceptions of their generic skills level. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 11(2), 121–138.
  40. Thijssen, J. G., Van der Heijden, B. I., & Rocco, T. S. (2008). Toward the employability-link model. Human Resource Development Review, 7(2), 165–183. [https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484308314955](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484308314955)
  41. van Laar, E., van Deursen, A. J., van Dijk, J. A., & de Haan, J. (2020). Determinants of 21st-century skills and digital skills for workers: A systematic literature review. SAGE Open. [https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019900176](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019900176)
  42. Warn, J., & Tranter, P. (2001). Measuring quality in higher education: A competency approach. Quality in Higher Education, 7(3), 191–198. [https://doi.org/10.1080/13538320120098008](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://doi.org/10.1080/13538320120098008)
  43. World Bank. (2020). Nigeria skills development report. World Bank.
  44. Yorke, M. (2006). Employability in higher education: What it is, what it is not. Higher Education Academy.
  45. Zinser, R. (2003). Developing career and employability skills: A U.S. case study. Education + Training, 45(7), 402–410. [https://doi.org/10.1108/00400910310499973](https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1108%2F00400910310499973)
How to Cite

AKINSANYA, A. O., FEJOH, J., & ADEGBOLA, M. G. (2026). ADVANCING EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AND WORKFORCE READINESS: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR CONTEMPORARY LABOUR MARKETS. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 21(2), 70 - 81.

A. O. AKINSANYA, J. FEJOH, and M. G. ADEGBOLA, "ADVANCING EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AND WORKFORCE READINESS: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR CONTEMPORARY LABOUR MARKETS," Journal of Educational Research and Development, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 70 - 81, June 2026.

Share this article:
Facebook X / Twitter LinkedIn
Download PDF View Full Text (PDF) Back to Articles