The Monster Called Unemployment

By Oluwagbohun Samuel

Unemployment has metamorphosed into a serious malaise in many African countries like Nigeria which requires urgent intervention. It has become a big monster staring at the face of our nation, Nigeria. In the days of old, before graduates were out of school, jobs were there waiting for them already. Then, they could choose which jobs they wanted as many companies que for them.

Sadly, things have changed. Now, it is easier for a camel to go through the needle’s eye than for a graduate to secure a job. What is responsible for this state of affairs? Where have the jobs gone to? Many institutions of learning are being established over the years; universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and technical colleges, however, these institutions churn out thousands of graduates who go into the over-saturated labour market to search for non-existent jobs.

The irony is that as Nigeria establish more universities, little or no thought is given to employment opportunities. So, the streets are littered with graduates as hawkers and bike riders, who ordinarily would have been gainfully employed.

The depressed economy of Nigeria is also a problem. According to the National bureau of statistics. In 2022, the unemployment rate in Nigeria is estimated to reach 33 percent.

Unfortunately, it is not as if there are no jobs in the country, everyday different jobs are been advertised but, many Nigerians lacks the technical skill most especially in the ICT sector. As result, foreigners are trooping in to take away our jobs. The high level of poverty prevalent in this country, is a direct result of unemployment as the unemployed citizens have no means of keeping body and soul together.

The saying, “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”, is quite applicable here. There is no denying fact that most of the criminal activities such as burglary, armed robbery, and hired assassination are perpetrated by the unemployed youths. They have also become ready-made tools as thugs by unscrupulous politicians.

Should this problem remain unchecked? No. The government of Nigeria have to address it urgently, otherwise the country will become ungovernable in no distant time. Firstly, they should make it a matter of priority to create employment for the teeming population of job seekers. This can be done by establishing profitable ventures which will provide jobs and also generate revenue for the government.

Also, graduates should disabuse their minds in the availability of white collar jobs in the country. There are no more office jobs for graduates, except graduates that can start something with their initiatives.

Others have the mindset that the places they will work are those that only relates to the area of their study. Except there is a paradigm shift to acquire some other important skills apart from their area of specialization, unemployment rate in the country will keep getting worse.

It is necessary to note that the battle against unemployment in Nigeria is like war that is too important to be left for the Generals alone. Therefore, all hands must be on deck in the fight against unemployment so that Nigeria can join other countries in enjoying the good of the land.

Oluwagbohun is a 200-level student of Southwestern University, Nigeria, studying Mass- Communication.