U-Connect

What U-Connect does

U-Connect Human Resources Limited is a Nigerian HR consulting and business process outsourcing firm founded in 2004 and headquartered in Lekki Peninsula, Lagos, with additional offices in Ikeja (Lagos) and Abuja, and operations in the United States and across Africa. The firm delivers six core services — Talent Search (recruitment), Personnel Outsourcing, Learning Academy, Background & Verification Checks, Pre-Assessment Testing, and HR Advisory — to enterprise clients across telecommunications, banking, insurance, fintech, oil & gas, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, broadcasting and trading, with named-logo clients including MTN, Ecobank, UBA, GTCO, AXA, Interswitch, Nestoil, Sahara Group, Moet Hennessy and others. The firm has placed over 20,500 candidates, assessed over 12,500 positions, and operates a network of 400+ background-verification agents nationwide.

U-Connect's differentiation rests on a proprietary technology stack. Gr8JobsNG, launched on June 29, 2016 and described as Africa's first e-commerce HR service platform, combines recruitment, pre-assessment testing, background verification and training in a web and mobile product (Windows, Google Play, Blackberry) backed by a 500,000+ CV database. ULearn Hub, a 2021 Learning Management System, hosts 200+ interactive courses spanning leadership, sales, HR, contact center, fintech, Microsoft, compliance and SHL certification programs. The U-Connect Skills CBT platform delivers randomized, invigilated, auto-graded assessments at scale, integrated with SHL for psychometric and ability tests and eSkill for skill testing. The firm is governed by a leadership team led by CEO and Managing Consultant Omon Odike and Chairman Victor Famuyibo (former HR Director at Nigerian Breweries and Heineken Africa/Middle East, and past CIPM President), and has earned third-party validation including the AllWorld Network / Harvard Business School Nigeria Fast Growth 50 award (2013), a Global Quality Excellence award (2016) and a TPPW CEO of the Year award in HR (2023).

The business model spans professional services fees (HR advisory and talent search), managed services revenue (personnel outsourcing across sales, engineering, IT, admin, HR process, payroll and contact center functions), transaction fees (per-candidate pre-assessment and background verification, the latter leveraging the 400+ agent network), recurring subscription revenue (ULearn Hub LMS and instructor-led training) and marketplace commissions (Gr8JobsNG). Distribution is consultation-led, beginning with a free consultation and a co-created custom plan, with no public pricing; the client intake form accepts company sizes from 1-10 to 10,001+ employees, and an affiliated entity (OUTCESS) acts as Aspect Software's channel partner for West Africa. Ownership is concentrated within the Odike family, with no external institutional capital disclosed.

Name

U-Connect

Legal name

U-Connect Human Resources Limited

Website

https://u-connect-ng.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

U-Connect is a Nigerian HR consulting and BPO firm offering recruitment, personnel outsourcing, learning, background verification, pre-assessment testing, and HR advisory services, powered by the Gr8JobsNG digital platform and ULearn Hub LMS, serving enterprise clients across Nigeria, the US, and Africa.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

HR Consulting & Outsourcing Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Computer Training (611420), Human Resources Consulting Services (541612)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Help Supply Services (7363), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Internship/Apprenticeship Matching & Work-Based Learning Platforms (EDAFAMAL)

Keywords

• HR consulting services
• Talent recruitment
• Personnel outsourcing
• Pre-employment assessment
• Background verification services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lagos

HQ country

Nigeria

HQ region

Africa

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. HR Consulting & Advisory Fees: Engagement-based professional services revenue from strategic HR advisory work — business strategy, organizational design, competency framework design, performance appraisal systems, succession planning, HR audits, and staff audits. Sold on a custom plan basis following free consultation.
2. Personnel Outsourcing Services: Recurring/managed services revenue from employee outsourcing — including Sales and Digital Marketing Force Outsourcing, Engineering and Technical Staff Outsourcing, Admin and Operations Management, IT Staff Outsourcing, Experienced and Senior Staff Outsourcing, HR Process Outsourcing, Payroll Management, and Contact Center Management (via OUTCESS / Ikenna Odike's call-center operations). Designed to reduce client operational costs.
3. Talent Search / Recruitment Placement Fees: Project-based and one-off recruitment placement revenue from end-to-end hiring across entry-level, mid-level, senior management, and executive roles (CEOs, Board of Director, HR Executives, Marketing/Sales/Strategy Executives, IT Executives). Land-and-expand via graduate recruitment projects and competency-based hiring engagements.
4. Pre-Assessment Testing & Background Verification Fees: Per-candidate/per-engagement fees from pre-hiring assessments and verification & background check services. Background checks leverage a network of over 400 agents nationwide and relationships with academic institutions and government agencies. CBT and online invigilation deployments support large-scale concurrent assessments.
5. Learning Academy & ULearn Hub LMS Subscriptions: Recurring revenue from instructor-led training, online courses, e-learning training via ULearn Hub LMS (2021), and bespoke learning interventions. Library of 200+ interactive courses across Leadership, Sales, HR, Contact Center, Ethics & Compliance, Skill Development, Fintech, Microsoft Bundle, Management, Workplace Health & Safety, Personal Development, Quality Management, Digital Literacy, and SHL Programs (international certifications).
6. Gr8JobsNG Platform / Marketplace Services: E-commerce HR service platform revenue (first of its kind in Africa, launched June 29, 2016) connecting MNCs, SMEs, professionals, job seekers, and Professional Training Institutions. Web/mobile (Windows, Google Play, Blackberry) coverage with over 500,000 CVs in the talent pool.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

U-Connect is a Human Resources Consulting and Business Process Outsourcing firm that delivers six integrated core services to organizations: Talent Search (recruitment), Personnel Outsourcing, Learning Academy, Background & Verification Checks, Pre-Assessment Testing, and HR Advisory. Delivery is enabled by the proprietary Gr8JobsNG HR e-commerce platform (launched June 29, 2016) and the ULearn Hub Learning Management System (launched 2021), supplemented by a nationwide network of 400+ background verification agents across Nigeria.

Product overview

U-Connect Human Resources Limited is a global HR Consulting and Business Process Outsourcing firm offering a portfolio of six integrated core services — Talent Search, Personnel Outsourcing, Learning Academy, Background & Verification Checks, Pre-Assessment Testing, and HR Advisory — delivered to organizations across Nigeria, the United States, and Africa. The Learning Academy is supported by three delivery modes (Instructor-Led, Online, and e-Learning Training) and powered by ULearn Hub, U-Connect's 2021 Learning Management System with a library of over 200 interactive courses. Pre-Assessment Testing is enabled through the U-Connect Skills application, which delivers Computer-Based Testing (CBT), Assessment Centre evaluations, and SHL Psychometric & Ability Tests. Underpinning the digital delivery of these services is Gr8JobsNG, launched on June 29, 2016, as the first e-commerce HR service platform in Africa, providing web and mobile access to Recruitment, Pre-Assessment Testing, Background Verification, and Training for MNCs, SMEs, professionals, and job seekers with a database of over 500,000 CVs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gr8JobsNG: An e-commerce HR service platform launched on June 29, 2016, described as the first of its kind in Africa; offers recruitment, pre-assessment testing, background verification, training and other HR services, with a database of over 500,000 CVs and global reach.
• ULearn Hub

Products and services

• Talent Search Strategic recruitment service providing end-to-end hiring across entry-level, mid-level, senior management, and executive roles (including CEOs, Board of Directors, and functional executives), using competency-based hiring and assessment methodologies. For organizations seeking executive search, graduate recruitment, and competency-based hiring engagements.
• Personnel Outsourcing Result-driven employee outsourcing service designed to bridge people gaps and reduce operational costs. Covers Sales and Digital Marketing Force outsourcing, Engineering and Technical Staff, Admin and Operations, IT Staff, Experienced/Senior Staff, HR Process outsourcing, Payroll Management, and Contact Center Management (via OUTCESS).
• Learning Academy Learning solutions offering designed to improve employee performance and deliver business results through high-impact interventions targeted at closing skill and knowledge gaps. Delivered via three sub-modes: Instructor-Led Training, Online Training, and e-Learning Training (powered by the ULearn Hub LMS).
• Background & Verification Checks Extensive and exhaustive pre-employment verification and background check services for all categories of employees. Delivered through a network of over 400 agents nationwide, relationships with academic institutions, and government agencies.
• Pre-Assessment Testing Pre-hiring assessment service delivered through Computer-Based Testing (CBT), Assessment Centre, and Psychometric & Ability Tests (SHL), covering Verbal, Numerical, Inductive, and Deductive reasoning, with auto-grading and section-wise feedback.
• HR Advisory Performance-focused consulting support covering business strategy, organizational design, HR consulting, workforce strategic planning, competency framework design, performance appraisal systems, career succession planning, and integrated competency-based HR systems.
• Gr8JobsNG First-of-its-kind e-commerce HR service platform in Africa, supporting Recruitment, Pre-Assessment Testing, Background Verification, Training, and other HR functions. Accessible via web and mobile apps (Windows, Google Play, Blackberry), with a database of over 500,000 CVs serving MNCs, SMEs, professionals, job seekers, and Professional Training Institutions globally.
• ULearn Hub LMS U-Connect's 2021 Learning Management System that delivers, tracks, and retrains learning content with features including content sharing, videos, gamification, polling, breakout sessions, and a library of over 200 interactive courses spanning leadership, sales, HR, contact center, ethics & compliance, fintech, Microsoft, management, workplace health & safety, personal development, quality management, digital literacy, and SHL programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 20,500 candidates placed with local and international companies since founding
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers35 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• SHLcoreTechnology or IntegrationU-Connect leverages SHL as a partner providing the web-based skill-testing platform for psychometric and ability assessments. SHL assessments measure cognitive ability, motives, situational judgment, diagrammatic/verbal/logical reasoning, and interest, including verbal, numerical, inductive, and deductive reasoning tests. SHL Programs are also offered as part of the ULearn Hub course catalog as international certifications.
• eSkillcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership provides organizations with a web-based skill-testing platform integrated with U-Connect's assessment services. Together the U-Connect Skills application configures tests from Numerical and Verbal reasoning subject libraries to match employer hiring needs.
• Inter-Active Technologies Pty (South Africa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2005, U-Connect Director Ikenna Odike partnered with Inter-Active Technologies Pty (a South Africa-based call-center company) to set up Customer Contact Solutions Nigeria Limited (OUTCESS). OUTCESS provides call-center management and technology outsourcing services and was appointed Aspect Software Inc.'s Channel Partner for West Africa in the same year.
• Aspect Software Inc.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOUTCESS (the U-Connect-affiliated entity) was appointed Channel Partner for Aspect Software Inc. in West Africa in 2005, in recognition of its commitment to developing the call-center industry. OUTCESS sells and supports contact-center solutions across the region.
• Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM)supportingOthersU-Connect is an active member of CIPM (logos shown in 'Our Associations'). CEO Omon Odike is a member; Chairman Victor Famuyibo is a Fellow and past President & Chairman of Council (2013–2015).
• Institute of Directors (IoD) NigeriasupportingOthersU-Connect is a member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria (logo shown in 'Our Associations'), supporting governance and director-level networking.
• Alliance for Nigerian Youth Employability Skills TrainingsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerU-Connect is a participating member of the Alliance for Nigerian Youth Employability Skills Training, featured on the 'Our Associations' section and as an Insights article on the website. The Alliance supports youth-skills empowerment initiatives in Nigeria.
• AllWorld Network USAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAllWorld Network, in partnership with Harvard Business School's Michael Porter and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, recognized U-Connect in the Nigeria Fast Growth 50 (2013) and awarded a Certificate of Excellence at the AllWorld Summit at Harvard in 2013. The recognition was tied to U-Connect's processes, business success, and growth.
• Tony Elumelu FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-partner with AllWorld Network and Harvard Business School in the Nigeria Fast Growth 50 program that recognized U-Connect in 2013 for processes, business success, and growth.
• Knowledge Capital LimitedsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDima Oruene, CEO of Knowledge Capital Limited, sits on the U-Connect leadership team (per About Us page). Knowledge Capital brings experience in strategy, turnaround and change management for Sub-Saharan African banks and financial institutions.
• Benchmac & IncesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIke C. Ibeku, Managing Partner of city law firm Benchmac & Ince, sits on the U-Connect leadership team. The relationship provides legal and advisory proximity to PPP, power sector, and infrastructure advisory work in Nigeria.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Workforce Group: Workforce Group is a leading Nigerian HR outsourcing and professional services firm offering recruitment, managed services, training, and consulting — closely overlapping U-Connect's personnel outsourcing, talent search, and HR advisory service lines for enterprise clients.
• Jobberman Nigeria: Jobberman is one of Nigeria's largest online job marketplaces and recruitment platforms, directly competing with U-Connect's Gr8JobsNG marketplace on employer and job-seeker reach. Both serve multinational corporates recruiting entry-to-mid level talent in Nigeria.
• Outcess Solutions Nigeria Limited: Outcess is a Nigerian contact center and BPO provider (founded with U-Connect Director Ikenna Odike) that competes in the call-center management and personnel outsourcing segments. It is also a customer of U-Connect's HR services, illustrating the closely intertwined nature of the two firms.
• Michael Stevens Consulting: Michael Stevens Consulting is a long-established Nigerian recruitment and HR outsourcing firm serving enterprise and mid-market clients. It competes head-to-head with U-Connect on talent search, personnel outsourcing, and pre-assessment testing services.

Broad incumbents

• ManpowerGroup: ManpowerGroup is one of the world's largest workforce solutions companies, offering staffing, recruitment process outsourcing, and assessment. It serves multinationals in Nigeria and competes broadly with U-Connect's personnel outsourcing and assessment service lines.
• Korn Ferry: Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm with executive search, assessment, and talent management capabilities. It competes with U-Connect at the senior/executive recruitment and competency framework end of the market served to Nigerian and multinational clients.
• Robert Half: Robert Half is a global specialized talent solutions firm with strong placement and consulting operations. It is comparable to U-Connect in providing competency-based recruitment, assessment, and consulting services, particularly to enterprise clients in financial services and professional sectors.
• Randstad: Randstad is a global HR services leader in staffing, recruitment, and talent solutions with an Africa presence. It competes with U-Connect on enterprise personnel outsourcing and recruitment process outsourcing, especially for multinational clients operating in Nigeria.

Others

• SHL: SHL is a global provider of psychometric and ability assessment tools that U-Connect leverages as a technology partner. It is comparable as both an enabler of U-Connect's pre-assessment testing service and a potential competitor in assessment-led talent management solutions.

Emerging players

• Andela: Andela is a global engineering talent platform that began in Africa and now recruits, trains, and places African technical professionals into international companies. It overlaps with U-Connect on the cross-border placement of African talent and on assessments/training of technical candidates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/ (host of "Omon's Couch" online talk show by CEO Omon Odike)
• Xx.com/UCONNECT_LTD
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/u-connect-telecommunication-services-limited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about U-Connect