The latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) suggests a decline in Nigeria’s unemployment rate from 33.3 to 4.1 percent. However, the ground reality tells a different story; a multitude of Nigerian graduates continue to struggle in the job market.
Despite having obtained degrees from the nation’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, scores of graduates find themselves without suitable employment opportunities.
Many of these graduates had high hopes that their advanced degrees would secure them lucrative positions, only to be disillusioned by the harsh truth. Employers often overlook them due to a lack of relevant experience and the expectation of higher salaries.
For the average unemployed Nigerian graduate, life has descended into a Hobbesian state, characterized by brutality and a struggle for survival.
This desperation has forced many graduates to accept menial jobs that are far below their qualifications. Jobs such as motorcycle or tricycle riding, cab or bus driving, house cleaning, generator repairs, and even involvement in illegal activities like internet fraud and armed robbery have become a means of survival.
However, amidst this bleak landscape, there are stories of resilience and determination. Some graduates refuse to succumb to the societal pressure and instead seek to create their own opportunities. They have taken up employment in unconventional sectors, hoping to eventually provide job opportunities for others.
Johnson Ademola, who holds degrees in Philosophy and Sociology and is currently pursuing a doctorate, epitomizes this spirit of enterprise. Despite his academic qualifications, he derives satisfaction from repairing generators, a skill he acquired before pursuing higher education.
In his own words, Ademola shared, “I wanted to study mechanical engineering, so I pursued vocational training while awaiting admission. However, due to various circumstances, I ended up with a different academic path. Nevertheless, my education has enhanced my work, setting me apart from unqualified practitioners.”
He has expanded his business to include generator sales and has employed workers, paying them monthly salaries. Additionally, technical schools now send students to intern at his workshop, underscoring his success as an entrepreneur.
Ademola’s story of perseverance and success serves as a beacon of hope for others like James Okezie, another graduate who found employment in Ademola’s workshop after facing numerous job rejections.
Patrick Nnamani, a Business Administration graduate, also reflects the tenacity of Nigerian graduates as he turned to tricycle operation after years of unsuccessful job hunting. His story unearths the struggles faced by graduates and highlights the need for a conducive environment for self-employment, including access to financial support and reliable infrastructure.
These narratives of resilience, determination, and resourcefulness amidst unemployment portray a picture of hope and a call for systemic changes to foster a more supportive environment for Nigerian graduates.
Nigerian Graduates Forge Their Own Path Amidst Job Scarcity
Today in Nigeria, the pursuit of gainful employment for graduates remains a herculean task as job scarcity continues to plague the nation. In response, numerous graduates have taken matters into their own hands, birthing a trend of entrepreneurship and unconventional career paths.
Abuja resident, Chidi Nnamani, an Economics graduate from the University of Abuja, found himself venturing into the tricycle business after countless unsuccessful job applications. As he reckons with the challenges of unemployment, Nnamani disclosed, “I have persistently sought employment, submitting applications at countless establishments, but the response has consistently been silence.”
Interestingly, Nnamani’s experience epitomizes the determination that has spurred an increasing number of Nigerian graduates to carve out their own livelihoods, leveraging the current dearth of job opportunities to innovate and create income streams.
Recalling the genesis of his tricycle enterprise, Nnamani reminisced, “I began this business with a tricycle I didn’t even own. I would work for the owner, remitting N2000 daily to him, while I went home with whatever remained of my daily earnings. I did that for some time before I saved money to buy my own.”
Consequently, Nnamani pinpointed the lack of funds as the primary impediment to the expansion of his business, underscoring the need for supportive government initiatives. “The only thing the government can do to help us is to make loans available for us to procure more tricycles,” he asserts, emphasizing the potential for job creation within the sector.
In Enugu State, Onah Theodore Uzoamaka, an English language graduate, found an unexpected goldmine in the honey business. Reflecting on her journey, Uzoamaka candidly shared, “I studied the English language. I have used all I saved to look for a job; doing photocopy and transportation but all in vain.”
Despite initial disappointments, Uzoamaka recognized the profitability of her honey enterprise, shedding light on the challenges she encountered, including governmental interference which led to the destruction of her shop. Her poignant narrative shines a light on the resilience of graduates navigating the tumultuous landscape of self-employment in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Kemi Adewale Kehinde, a Business Administration graduate from Madonna University, illustrates the tenacity of graduates in overcoming setbacks. After weathering a job loss due to the stock market crash, Kehinde established a thriving enterprise retailing women’s products. She aspires to secure a soft loan to ignite growth and solidify her foothold in the competitive market.
In a similar vein, Emmanuel Agu, a Mass Communication graduate, has ventured into house cleaning and laundry services while harbouring hopes of securing a stable job. His undeterred spirit underscores the unwavering determination of graduates navigating the challenging terrain of self-reliance.
Lastly, Rowland Akande, an Accounting graduate, epitomizes the success attainable through perseverance, highlighting that after an unsatisfactory stint with a company, he transitioned into estate practice, cementing a prosperous career trajectory. Akande’s resolute commitment symbolizes the unwavering resolve of graduates in charting their own professional destinies.
Ultimately, the shared experiences of these graduates encapsulate the prevailing grit and resourcefulness pervading the Nigerian job landscape. As they navigate the intricate web of self-employment, their narratives serve as a testament to resilience amidst adversity, transcending barriers to forge unique paths in pursuit of sustainable livelihoods.
