An extract from Gospel Akano article
2023 marks five years of unemployment for James, a 1st class graduate of philosophy from Obafemi Awolowo University.
This was unfortunate for James as against his thought that with his 1st class grade alone, he should get a good job quickly in one of the blue chip companies.
Meanwhile, James’ closest friend in the university, Mary who studied the same course and graduated the same year but with a low grade of second class lower (2.2) is now a senior manager in one of the multinationals in Lagos, Nigeria.
Aside from that, she now has a Consulting business that she runs by the side. One could have thought that Mary was born with a silver spoon or has some big connections. However, she has no connection or rich background.
The secret is when they were in the university, and having discovered she was not having great scores, she started to add value, competence, and skills to herself. She would always be found in different employability and entrepreneurship programmes and volunteering on campus.
She finished her Project Management Professional and HR Professional before graduation.
In fact, she enrolled herself in a computer training class to learn basic computer skills in MS Word, Excel, and all. She paid N5,000 to learn how to use LinkedIn. She acquired communication, presentation, teamwork, and networking skills.
All these are what she had in her CV and these always impressed recruiters and gave her an edge over the 1st-class applicants who have less of all these skills, certifications, competence, and professionalism.
At present, Mary is enrolled in her Master’s programme even though it was difficult for her to combine this with her itinerary. Now, she has equipped herself enough.
Realistically, there is a high level of 33.3% unemployment rate in Nigeria according to the National Bureau of Statistics; KPMG says: it is going to increase to 40.6%. However, for the few jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities available, how prepared are the youths to take them?
Actually, if governments have disappointed us enough by not providing jobs and lacking an enabling environment for job creation, and businesses to thrive, why don’t the youths take our destinies into our own hands, without waiting for governments that care less about us? What youths can do here is VOTE RIGHTLY.
Just, like James, there are many brilliant people but without skills, and competence, brilliance will be useless in this age. Hence, just like Mary, youths should add competence and skills to themselves. Nothing stops us from going to school, having good grades, enrolling for professional courses, learning digital, STEM skills, entrepreneurship, vocational, communication, networking, teamwork, Linkedin, and problem-solving skills. Udemy, Coursera, Linkedin Skills, Google Digital Skill programme, Hubspot, Facebook Blueprint courses are available virtually free. Volunteering, internships and learning storytelling, project management, grant application, and how to access global opportunities are there to help gain employment. These involve sacrifice though. However, it’s rewarding. All these give us an edge in the marketplace. Just do it.