Across Africa, millions of job seekers face barriers to securing meaningful employment. At the same time, businesses struggle to identify and retain top talent. Addressing this challenge requires expertise and a deep commitment to transforming the employment sector. Omon Odike is one individual who has risen to this challenge. She is the founder and CEO of U-Connect Human Resources Limited, which was founded in 2004 and has an annual revenue estimated at around $25 million.
U-Connect Human Resources Limited was established to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers by providing comprehensive, technology-driven HR solutions. With a mission to redefine talent acquisition and workforce management, U-Connect has become a trusted partner for businesses across various industries, offering services such as personnel outsourcing, recruitment, training, and business process outsourcing. A significant milestone for the firm was the launch of Gr8jobsng in 2016, Africa’s first e-commerce HR service platform, designed to streamline the recruitment process and enhance employability for job seekers.
U-Connect stands out in a highly competitive industry due to its commitment to excellence, technological innovation, and client-focused approach. It ensures businesses receive tailored solutions that optimise their workforce while helping job seekers connect with the right opportunities.
Moreover, U-Connect is recognised for its proactive approach to addressing youth unemployment and skills development. The company equips candidates with the skills required to thrive in an evolving job market through targeted training programmes and industry-specific recruitment strategies.
The impact of U-Connect work is evident in the thousands of individuals who have secured employment through its services. To date, the company has facilitated the recruitment of over 20,500 candidates into various roles across multiple industries, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s workforce development. Additionally, their Gr8jobsng platform boasts a growing database of over 500,000 CVs, enhancing their capacity to match candidates with suitable employment opportunities.
The company maintains strong relationships with both multinational corporations and indigenous businesses.
In 2013, Allworld Network USA, in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, named Connect one of Nigeria’s 50 fastest-growing private firms. In 2016, the company also received the prestigious Global Quality Excellence Award for being the “Global Most Innovative Quality HR Firm of the Year.”
U-Connect is driven by a team of dedicated professionals who share Odike’s vision for transforming HR services in Nigeria and beyond. The collective expertise of its employees plays a crucial role in executing strategic HR initiatives that support both businesses and job seekers.
Odike’s leadership extends beyond corporate achievements. With a legal background from the University of Benin and advanced certifications from prestigious institutions, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the HR industry. In 2023, Odike was recognised for her significant contributions to the Nigerian talent management industry and was awarded the CEO of the Year Award in Human Resources.
