Some Nigerians were asked, “How can Nigerian graduates tackle the challenge of unemployment?”

Their responses:

Nigerian graduates should learn how to write a good CV.

“We should pay closer attention to the curriculum vitae of applicants. To look closely [at] the issue of work ethics of Nigerian job seekers,” says Mrs. Juliet Chukkas, D.G ITF.

Unemployed youths should embrace social entrepreneurship

“Nigerian youths should take up social entrepreneurship,” says Linda Iheme. “Young people should find out what social entrepreneurship is…we need more social entrepreneurs.”

Education does not increase chances of employment

“The rate of unemployment in Nigeria is very appalling, everybody try to go to school for a better future. People believe in education but there is no guarantee that they will be employed after school. When I graduated, I didn’t get a job, so I started a business; I ventured into the corporate world [where] I sell foodstuff, groundnut oil. Education has always been expensive, it [is] never cheap,” says Mary, a trader.

She added, “Old people should go home and rest and there will be space for young people, but I know education can never be a waste…Nigerian youth should just be focus.”

Too many people competing for limited opportunities

“The population is more than the available jobs and government [leaders] are not creating jobs for the labour force,” says Emmanuel Abati, manager of De Renaissance hotel. “Youths should be creative and sit down to map out what they want to do for themselves.”

Empower yourself

“It is not until you have huge money that you can start a business. You can start from somewhere. I am a graduate and I am not supposed to be a sales rep. I spent lots of money getting education. I have friends who are graduates and earning N5,000 as salaries,” says Yewande Okubanjo.

What is your take? Are you currently unemployed? How are you tackling the challenge?