Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, has said Nigerians who do not hold university degrees can find work in Germany, especially in vocational and technical jobs that call for practical skills.
Enang said openings exist for skilled workers in hospitality, driving, welding, woodworking and construction, adding that a university qualification is not the only way into the German labour market.
He spoke on Tuesday in an interview on Arise Television, where he explained that many Nigerians miss out on these opportunities because they assume that working abroad demands advanced academic qualifications.
The ambassador also disclosed that talks were ongoing with German authorities aimed at creating structured labour migration opportunities for Nigerians.
“It’s not only graduates that are entitled to employment in Germany or in Europe,” he said.
He explained that people with experience in driving, hospitality, woodworking, welding and construction could pursue jobs based on their skills.
According to him, the belief that applicants must hold extensive academic qualifications has discouraged many Nigerians from considering vocational routes to employment.
The ambassador, however, named visa processing, language barriers and professional qualification requirements as the major obstacles facing prospective Nigerian workers.
He added that learning German could improve applicants’ chances of getting a job and settling into the country’s workforce.
Enang disclosed that he had begun discussions with German authorities on structured labour migration arrangements that could open up more job opportunities for Nigerians.
He said Nigeria was studying agreements Germany had reached with countries such as India and Kenya, to understand how similar frameworks could support Nigerian workers.
Among the officials he had engaged on the matter, the ambassador named Germany’s Ambassador for Migration Cooperation, Dr Ludwig Jung.
He also revealed ongoing engagements with the German Africa Skilled Mobility Foundation to identify employment pathways for Nigerian professionals and vocational workers.
According to him, the discussions are meant to promote labour mobility while allowing Nigerians to acquire skills that could eventually benefit the domestic economy.
He further said he was working with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and universities to explore training opportunities and align Nigerian qualifications with the requirements of the German labour market.
Germany has introduced several immigration pathways to attract foreign workers, although eligibility depends on the specific visa category and the applicant’s qualifications.
In June 2024, Germany had launched its Opportunity Card, which allows skilled Nigerians and other non-EU nationals to enter the country and search for work for up to one year. The points-based route recognises vocational qualifications, subject to other requirements.
In March 2025, Germany set out the eligibility requirements for the Opportunity Card, including professional experience, language proficiency, age and proof of financial resources.
More recently, Germany had tightened its B1 language examination requirements from November 1, 2026, requiring applicants to show minimum competence across the assessed language skills.
