Unemployment: The Fear of Graduates in Nigeria -By Alaba Abdulmuhmin Adeleke

Unemployment is a major concern for many graduates in Nigeria. Despite the increasing number of universities and graduates, many young people struggle to find jobs after completing their education. This gap between their qualifications and available job opportunities causes significant fear and worry about their future. Many graduates are left wondering if their degrees will help them succeed in the labour market.

Unemployment refers to individuals who are employable and actively seeking for work but are unable to find jobs. There are many individuals in this category in Nigeria, and this has always raised questions in the minds of undergraduates in institutions.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBA), the Nigerian economy recorded an increase in the unemployment rate to 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024, up from 5.0% in the third quarter of 2023. This represents the third consecutive rise in the unemployment rate since the third quarter of 2023. However, the underemployment rate fell to 10.6% in the first quarter of 2024.

Several causes of unemployment in Nigeria include the neglect of the agricultural sector, high rates of embezzlement, and government favoritism, which has deeply affected the system and turned employment into a “who you know” scenario rather than “what you know.”

Ismaila Zakari, a graduate from Niger State Polytechnic, stated in an interview that graduating without securing a job is devastating, as there is constant pressure from parents, friends, and society at large. He asked, “What’s the joy of graduating when there’s no job? How do you think our parents will feel after all their efforts in sending us to school?”

Similarly, a female graduate from Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic Abdulrazaq Hussainat remarked that the major work available for graduates in Nigeria is the Point of Sales (POS) business, adding that the country isn’t helping the situation, especially considering the hardships students endure and the lack of adequate job opportunities for women.

According to the NBA, the female unemployment rate stands at 6.2%, which is higher than the male unemployment rate of 4.3%. This indicates inequity in the distribution of economic opportunities across genders in Nigeria.

The issue of unemployment brought about some social and economic consequences such as; increase in crime rate, loss of respect and identity, reduction in purchasing power, psychological injuries, corruption, feelings of redundancy, increased fraudulent tendencies, and overall dehumanization among others.

In conclusion, unemployment among graduates in Nigeria is a serious problem that affects not only individuals but also the country’s future. Many graduates face tough competition for jobs and find it difficult to secure work in their fields. To address this issue, the government, schools, and businesses need to collaborate to create more job opportunities. This could include offering job training, supporting young entrepreneurs, and implementing policies to encourage hiring. By tackling these challenges, Nigeria can help its graduates find meaningful work and build a better future without the fear of unemployment.

ALABA ABDULMUHMIN ADELEKE