In a rapidly evolving job market, where the gap between education and employment continues to widen, Esther Asuquo, the dynamic Managing Director of PRIME56 Consulting Ltd, is on a mission to redefine career opportunities for students and professionals in Africa.
With a deep-seated passion for helping individuals realize their potential, Esther has crafted a unique platform that not only connects entry-level professionals and seasoned experts to their dream careers but also supports students in achieving their academic aspirations Founded on the principles of empowerment and opportunity, PRIME56 Consulting Ltd specializes in recruitment and education services.
The company offers a diverse range of services that include education recruitment, international recruitment, internship placements, keynote speaker recruitment, and the PRIME56 Academy, which provides invaluable resources for personal branding and professional development.
Esther’s journey to establish PRIME56 was driven by her personal experiences as an international student.
With a solid academic foundation in Human Resources and a master’s degree in international management, along with being a licensed and chartered HR professional, Esther’s passion for Human Resources and talent development is unmatched. She possesses a deep understanding of the challenges students face in pursuing educational and professional opportunities both within Africa and abroad. Driven by this insight, she has successfully connected numerous students and professionals to their dream careers, embodying the vision and mission of PRIME56: “Becoming the PRIME in connecting people to their dream careers”.
While asked how she started PRIME56 Consulting, She explained that Her leadership role as the Vice President of the International Student Association further fueled her desire to aid students in navigating the complexities of applications and admissions.
Esther shared some experiences in an interview with a journalist, Francis from Connect Nigeria , on what prompted her to establish PRIME56:
“I always envisioned owning a recruitment firm,” Esther shares. “My experiences while living and studying in different countries, including Ghana, France, and the UK, opened my eyes to the potential of bridging the gap for aspiring students in Africa and professionals, especially across the globe. I realized that I could turn my passion into a business that genuinely makes a difference.
Since its inception, PRIME56 has established strategic partnerships with leading universities and educational institutions across the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and the Caribbean. The organization has made remarkable progress in delivering top-tier educational recruitment services, successfully assisting students from various African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, to secure admissions to prestigious institutions.
PRIME56 provides comprehensive guidance throughout the application process, ensuring students navigate the complexities of international education seamlessly and gain access to quality academic opportunities. To date, numerous students who have worked with PRIME56 are now pursuing their dream courses at universities in the UK, Canada, and Germany. With the ongoing expansion, the organization is actively processing admissions for even more students into the USA and other countries, solidifying its reputation as a trusted bridge to global education.
With plans to expand into more countries, Esther is committed to ensuring that African students have access to the best educational opportunities available.
PRIME56 has also hosted several webinars in collaboration with top universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and France.
These events are designed to equip African students with accurate and valuable information to help them secure admissions to international institutions. Additionally, the webinars provide insights into available discounts and scholarships, enabling many participants to benefit from these opportunities and pursue their educational goals abroad.
PRIME56 Educational Events Summary – 2024
PRIME56 has remained committed to guiding secondary school students and young professionals in making informed career and educational decisions. In 2024, we organized and participated in several impactful events to provide career guidance and access to quality education.
On December 16, 2023, we collaborated with European International University, Paris, to educate young professionals on the importance of online learning, degrees, and certifications in advancing their career paths.
April 19, 2024 – Career Fair for Secondary Schools
PRIME56 organized a career fair for secondary schools across different states in Nigeria. Schools from Lagos, Ibadan, and Kano attended the event, where students had the opportunity to interact with representatives from prestigious universities, including:
• University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Germany, University of Niagara Falls,Avila University,University of Canada West,Canterbury Christ Church University, UK.
The event featured insightful discussions on career opportunities and academic pathways, helping students make informed choices for their future.
May 24, 2024 – Education Fair for Students, Young Professionals, and NYSC Candidates
PRIME56 hosted an education fair targeted at students, young professionals, and NYSC candidates. The event provided a platform for attendees to explore higher education opportunities and interact with representatives from renowned institutions, including:Avila University, USA, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK, Webster University, USA,University of Northern British Columbia, Canada,
IBAT College, Ireland, St. Matthew’s University, Saba University
and Medical University of the Americas (Caribbean).
This event enabled attendees to gain valuable insights into global education opportunities, admission processes, and career prospects.
November 10, 2024 – A’Level Colleges & Universities School Fair
PRIME56 participated in the A’Level Colleges/Universities School Fair at Redeemer’s International Secondary School, Maryland, Lagos State. Our team guided Year 11 and 12 students on how to prepare for their university journey. PRIME56 representatives provided career counseling and guidance to students and parents, equipping them with essential information for a seamless transition into higher education.
Through our previous education fairs, we have successfully educated over 1,000 students and young professionals. In 2025, we aim to expand our impact by reaching and educating up to 5,000 students from various African countries.
However, it’s not just about education; Esther’s vision also tackles the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria. Drawing from her own challenges in securing internships locally, she recognized the systemic barriers that many young graduates face in their pursuit of employment.
“I experienced firsthand the frustration of being overlooked due to connections rather than qualifications,
“I felt the pain and I was wondering how many Nigerian young graduates must have gone through this or are going through this same experience,” she recalls.
“This ignited my desire to create a platform where skills and talents take precedence over personal connections. So to help young graduates in Nigeria find internships based on their skills and qualifications, I decided to include this as a part of our services at PRIME56.
“As we started more opportunities emerged in talent recruitment for senior-level roles across Africa and Europe. We have successfully placed top-tier professionals in Senior level roles across the UK, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Building on this success, we are actively working to expand our reach into other countries, connect exceptional talent to their dream careers, and drive organizational success on a global scale”.
One of the events or incidents that I can never forget (in business)? Is the happiness, smile, and great positive feedback I get from clients. I feel excited seeing the client’s dream come to reality”.
She also shared that the true secret to success in business is being Passionate about your business, being honest with clients and stakeholders, rendering quality service to your clients, and putting God first in your business.
As part of its commitment to giving back to society, PRIME56 actively engages in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at empowering students and job seekers. At no cost, the organization provides secondary school students with training on essential skills such as crafting CVs, writing Statements of Purpose (SOPs), and preparing for university. These sessions also include guidance on selecting the right career path and strategies for excelling in higher education. PRIME56 believes that laying a strong foundation early helps students better prepare for a successful future.
On the 22nd April 2024, Year 11 and Year 12 students of Pinefield Schools, Lekki, Lagos State, benefitted from this workshop, which was valuable to both students and teachers. During the event, students were taught how to write a CV, craft an SOP, choose a career path, and excel academically when they transition to university.
Additionally, PRIME56 conducts workshops for job seekers, equipping them with the tools to make lasting first impressions, create compelling CVs, and develop the skills necessary to secure their dream jobs. These initiatives reflect PRIME56’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth at every stage of the career journey.
Furthermore, She urged young people to be passionate about what they do, “put in your best in everything God has placed in your hands to do and you will see results and people will testify about what you do. Like the Bible says in Proverbs 22:29, if you are diligent in your business you’ll stand before kings.
Through PRIME56, Esther is making significant progress in connecting young graduates with meaningful internship opportunities that align with their skills, ultimately fostering practical experience and professional growth. With a focus on meritocracy, PRIME56 aims to shift the narrative around employment in Nigeria by prioritizing qualifications and capabilities.
As PRIME56 Consulting Ltd continues to grow and evolve, Esther Asuquo remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering individuals and transforming the recruitment landscape in Africa.
As she puts it, “Our mission is to provide career opportunities for students, graduates and professionals. and I believe we are well on our way to making that a reality.
In a world where the right opportunities can change lives, Esther’s journey with PRIME56 is not just about business; it’s about building a brighter future for countless individuals seeking to carve their paths in an increasingly competitive landscape.
