By Peace Oloruntoba & Precious Oloruntoba

In the bustling streets of Nigeria’s cities, a familiar sight has become all too common: graduates, degree in hand, searching for a foothold in a job market that seems determined to leave them behind. The optimism that once accompanied the pursuit of higher education has given way to uncertainty, as the country’s economic challenges and systemic issues have created a perfect storm of difficulties for young people trying to launch their careers.

According to recent statistics, approximately 4.18 million Nigerian youths (aged 15-34) are unemployed. This number gives an insight into the scale of the challenge facing the country in terms of job creation and youth employment. The unemployment rate among young people in Nigeria is alarmingly high, and graduates are not immune to this challenge.

The lack of job opportunities, combined with the need for practical skills and experience, has left many feeling disillusioned and uncertain about their future. Despite these challenges, Nigerian graduates are a resilient bunch. Many are finding ways to adapt and thrive, whether through entrepreneurship, volunteering, or seeking opportunities in non-governmental organizations.

Some are taking matters into their own hands, starting their own businesses or creating innovative solutions to the problems they see in their communities.

Chiamaka Nwosu, a 25-year-old graduate of Mass Communication, said, “I’ve been searching for a job for over a year. I’ve applied to many positions, but I haven’t gotten any response. I’m starting to feel like I’m not good enough.”

Chiamaka emphasized that the lack of job opportunities is a major challenge for Nigerian graduates, saying, “We need more job openings, and we need them now.”

Another graduate, Adewale Adeyemi, a 28-year-old graduate of Business Administration, shared similar sentiments. “I started my own business because I couldn’t find a job. It’s not easy, but it’s better than sitting idle.”

Adewale cited the need for entrepreneurship as a solution to unemployment, saying, “We need access to funding and mentorship. We need to be empowered to create our own opportunities.”

Nneoma Okoro, a 22-year-old graduate of Economics, also echoed the same concerns. Her words: “I’m worried about my future. I don’t know what the future holds. I’m trying to stay positive, but it’s hard when you don’t have a job.”

Nneoma noted that the education system in Nigeria needs to be reformed. She said, “We’re not taught the skills that employers are looking for. We need more practical training and vocational skills.”

Similarly, Oluwatoyin Adebayo, a 29-year-old graduate of Engineering, expressed frustration with the job market. He said,”I’m considering leaving the country to find work. I’ve applied for jobs here, but I haven’t gotten any response. I’m looking at opportunities abroad, but it’s scary to think about leaving my family and friends behind.”

Oluwatoyin emphasized that the government needs to address the issue of youth unemployment urgently, saying,”We need jobs, and we need them now.”

However, the system itself needs to change. The education system in Nigeria has been criticized for being too theoretical and not providing students with the practical skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

There is a growing recognition of the need for curriculum reform and increased focus on vocational training to equip students with the skills demanded by employers. The government also has a crucial role to play in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian graduates. This includes implementing policies that promote youth empowerment, providing support for entrepreneurship and job creation, and addressing the issue of prolonged university strikes that disrupt students’ academic progress.

These stories highlight the challenges faced by Nigerian youths in the job market. While some are finding ways to adapt and thrive, others are struggling to make ends meet. The government and other stakeholders need to work together to address the issue of youth unemployment and create opportunities for young Nigerians.

Peace Oloruntoba and Precious Oloruntoba are interns with The Hope from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko