Amid Economic Hardship, Fresh Graduates Struggle to Find Jobs in Nigeria

Happy after writing his final exams at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun state, Ibrahim Abimbola seemed concerned about his future, amid disturbing unemployment and a crumbling economy. “Thinking about the economic situation, I feel so uncertain about it, because the state of Nigeria’s economy is unpredictable, making the labour market itself unfavourable,” he lamented.

According to World Bank data, the percentage of unemployed Nigerians with advanced education increased from 14.5% in 2016 to 17.1% in 2019. In 2020, Staista’s record showed that the unemployment rate in Nigeria reached 17.5%, and the most affected people are those with advanced education certificates compared to those with ordinary certificates.

While this poses a reason to worry about the country’s employment status, it also establishes the certainty of an increased unemployment rate as different higher institutions and universities graduate over 60 thousand students yearly from close to 2 million admitted.  This further affirms the impending situation of the country’s possible chances of a better or assured future for its active citizens. 

The National Bureau of Statistics stated in a report that almost three-quarters of working-age Nigerians are unemployed, with a rate of 73.6% in 2022 and an increased rate of 76.7% in 2023. It also showed that of the few per cent that are employed, about one-third, which is 36.4% and 33.2% of the estimated rates in 2022 and 2023, worked nothing less than 40 hrs per week with an intent of always declaring they would take on more work. 

Many university courses in Nigeria, excluding controversial fields like medicine, nursing, law, management, and accounting, are often perceived as less relevant or valuable in the outside world.

Students in less recognised fields may face greater challenges in the job market compared to those in high-demand fields like medicine or law. However, many students remain undeterred, finding purpose and passion in their studies. Some, like OgunJobi Victor, a soon-to-be Chemical Engineering graduate, are optimistic about their prospects due to the practical skills and strong work ethic they’ve developed during their studies.

What is disheartening is the situation of the real-world economy outside the academic constituency, which constitutes the status of the labour market in Nigeria. Aside from the results of the research study, which has shown the proportion of the employed to the unemployed and the entrepreneurs in Nigeria, 80% of the employable population who have found themselves in the labour market also affirmed the unavailability of actual employment or a favourable labour market in the country. This situation is, however, not in denial by the government as First Lady Oluremi Tinubu once encouraged youths to venture into farming, affirming that agriculture still holds the key to bettering the lot of citizens. 

Nigerians are increasingly seeking alternative means to survive and thrive amidst economic challenges, with a focus on skill empowerment. Initiatives like the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program during the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) demonstrate efforts to promote skill development among young people and fresh graduates.

Abdulrazak Faruk, a Software Engineering graduate and former faculty president of Natural and Applied Sciences at Al-Hikmah University, told Punch how the SAED program propelled his interest in farming. Abdulrazak, now the chief executive officer of Dosh Aqua Farms, explained that his willingness to explore new paths prevented him from missing the opportunity to enter the fish farming industry. 

Peace Oladipupo, currently serving in Oyo State, gave her view about the program, saying it is a great initiative and standard enough to rely on as a means of financial income after service, as it focuses on lessening the negativity of the employability rate in the country. She was fortunate to learn more about the environmental sustainability products, and she looks forward to going fully into it.

Many Nigerian adults recognise the challenging job market and advise students to develop creative skills that can serve as a potential source of entrepreneurship after graduation, emphasising the importance of excelling in a specific area with purpose.

Ajani Kayode, a counsellor, social worker, and broadcast journalist, noted that Nigeria’s labour market cannot absorb the large number of graduates produced annually. To address this issue, he emphasised the need for the government to create an enabling environment and provide infrastructure to support businesses in generating more jobs.

“Massive job production is not the responsibility of any government but they can provide an enabling environment such as infrastructure like roads, and electricity that will allow investors to come into the country and have more companies that will absorb the graduates as many of these companies are leaving the country due to poor infrastructure of which electricity is one of the major factorial,” he said.

Kayode further suggested that the government should promote vocational and technical skills by offering standard certifications, providing equal opportunities for those in these fields. He emphasised that university education shouldn’t be the only path to meaningful development, as vocational skills can significantly contribute to the country’s growth and infrastructure development.

“If a survey were taken now, we would discover that most of our graduates are now into the vocational work that we once rejected. For instance, I have friends who are now into photography, graphic design – jobs that do not require a university degree,” he added.

Mr. Okondu, a father of a graduate and three university students, advises his children to pursue professional courses that can enhance their job prospects or enable them to start their own practices, given the current economic challenges. While education provides opportunities, he believes studying a professional course can give them a competitive edge in the job market.

Florence Ikeola, a mother of two university students, acknowledged that Nigeria’s economy has changed, with fewer job opportunities compared to the past. However, she believes current graduates can still thrive by acquiring diverse skill sets and exploring various opportunities, provided they approach these endeavours with intention and purpose.

Biliaminu Manne, a graduate of Public Administration at Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, explained the importance of being equipped with available skills. “It’s pertinent for a person who has a dream of a successful life to equip and arm himself or herself with the available skills that he or she can do. With this mindset, I have to learn more skills to be able to survive no matter what the case may be,” he said.

Oluwadabira, a soon-to-be graduate of Science Laboratory Technology, has acquired vocational skills alongside her professional degree to stay proactive and financially independent while seeking employment, ensuring continuous growth and self-development.

“With my skills, I can get my income without waiting on anyone or the government for a particular salary to progress with financial stability before doing anything moneywise,” the student said.

While the government has been tasked to create a balance in education and vocational skills, individuals are fully in charge of how well they adapt their survival techniques in a country with no stable economy. 

“Although I am still finding my way with the Nigerian labour market and economy, we would continue to advocate for skills as a young mind and fresh graduates. This will help you to sustain big employment and the business of your dreams after graduation,” he said.