If the recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicating a drop in Nigeria’s unemployment rate from 33.3 to 4.1 percent is accurate, one would expect a significant reduction in the number of unemployed youths, particularly tertiary education graduates. However, the stark reality is that hundreds of thousands of Nigerian graduates still struggle to secure employment. Despite possessing degrees, including master’s qualifications, many face challenges in the job market due to a lack of relevant experience and demands for higher salaries by employers.
For the average unemployed Nigerian graduate, the situation feels akin to a Hobbesian state, where life becomes harsh, impoverished, short, and brutal, with only the fittest surviving. Graduates resort to unconventional jobs, such as motorcycle or tricycle riding, cab driving, house cleaning, laundry services, generator repairs, restaurant businesses, and petty trading. Additionally, some turn to illegal activities like kidnapping, armed robbery, internet fraud, and ritual killings in pursuit of quick wealth.
However, some graduates have chosen an honorable path by embracing survival instinct, taking on jobs deemed beneath their qualifications. Despite the challenges, they believe that with support from the government, philanthropic individuals, or non-governmental organizations, they can create opportunities for themselves and others.
Daily Post’s investigation revealed various scenarios where graduates found themselves in unconventional jobs. Johnson Ademola, with degrees in Philosophy and Sociology, chose to repair generators. Despite his academic achievements, he had vocational skills before attending university and believes his education enhances the quality of his work and attracts customers.
Others, like James Okezie, an International Relations graduate, found employment in Ademola’s generator repair workshop after unsuccessful job hunting. Patrick Nnamani, a Business Administration graduate, turned to tricycle operation after years of job search, citing the need for government support through soft loans to expand his business.
Onah Theodore Uzoamaka, an English language graduate, became a honey seller, facing challenges from government agents. Despite setbacks, she remains committed to her business. Kemi Adewale Kehinde, a Business Administration graduate, runs a small business selling women’s products and wishes for government support through soft loans and a better location.
Emmanuel Agu, a Mass Communication graduate, offers house cleaning and laundry services to make ends meet. Despite facing challenges, he hopes for a better job in the future. Rowland Akande, an Accounting graduate, left a low-paying job to become a real estate agent, finding the profession lucrative and vowing never to seek traditional employment again.
While these graduates have embraced unconventional jobs out of necessity, they demonstrate resilience and determination to succeed in their chosen paths. The challenges they face underscore the need for supportive government policies, access to funding, and a conducive environment for self-employment.