Equipping Nigerian Youths for Employment

Let’s face it, not everyone can be an entrepreneur. Studies have shown that many of us lack the necessary IQ and emotional fortitude needed to run a business. It isn’t an ideal situation, but it’s not a bad one either. It is just the reality of how things are. 

That being said, the next means of earning a living would be to get a job and earn a salary. But judging by the Nigerian situation, that’s a very difficult thing to do. And that was putting it very mildly. 

Why Nigerian Youths are Unemployed?

Official figures show that more than 7% of Nigerian youths are currently unemployed, and that figure is heavily debatable. Of course, online jobs are providing more opportunities, but why are the figures still so high? 

• Inadequate Experience 

It's discouraging when job ads ask fresh graduates for 3 to 5 years of experience. Many students barely got a chance to leave campus, so it's way too much to ask of them on hiring day. This often leaves them feeling down or even turning to sketchy side gigs.

Also, in Nigeria, it’s not just about being qualified for a job—you must have the right certifications. In fact, in some cases, your papers hold even more value than your abilities. So if you don’t have the necessary papers or connections, you might miss out on great opportunities, even if you would have been awesome for such roles.

• The Menace of Ghostjobs 

An even uglier problem is the issue of fake job postings. Originally, they were a phenomenon in foreign countries where the employment process happens online. Now, these phantom hiring opportunities have found their way into the Nigerian job market. Companies are now comfortable with posting opportunities for positions they do not intend on filling any time soon on job-posting platforms like LinkedIn and Jobberman. You can only imagine how frustrating it is to submit job applications to company after company without a response, not knowing it was a hoax all along. 

• Limited Opportunities and Lack of Networking 

Finally, it’s not news that the number of available job opportunities in Nigeria is vastly outnumbered by the number of youths ready to work. Many of them are naive greenhorns and lack the network to let them know about job openings, or even land interviews. This makes it so much harder for them to get into the job market  or even land steady jobs. 

How Youths Can Get Employed 

Job-searching can be very frustrating, especially in a country like Nigeria. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get employed in the current job market. Here are some smart things to do, to get hired much faster. 

• Take internships. 

Hirers are always looking to hire the best possible person for the job. And what’s the main indication of that “best person”? Its experience. So take as many internships that are related to your field of work as you can. They’ll help you gain valuable experience that HR managers cannot overlook. You might be lucky, and get a paying internship, but that’s rare. Most internships in this country are unpaid. But don’t let that distract you. Take these positions with the mindset that you’re there to learn and gain experience for your CV. 

• Try out Remote Roles. 

While interning, try your hand at freelance remote positions. Remote work is usually more flexible than on-site employment, so you should be able to fit it into your work schedule. The advantages of remote work will help you improve your skills, as well as gain a wide range of experience since you’d be working for different clients. 

• Update your CV. 

When you take new roles, put them in your CV, no matter how small you may think they are. Learn new digital skills too, and make sure to finish them so you can become a pricey asset to your intending hirers. 

• Stay Optimistic 

As someone who’s constantly searching for work myself, I think the biggest solution to the difficulties of job-hunting is keeping the hope alive. A firm spirit will see you through whatever challenges the Nigerian job market will put you through. 

Conclusion 

Finally, stay in the know. Nobody is an island, and life isn’t a singular sport. So do well to surround yourself with people who can help you on your journey toward getting a job. 

Yes, it can be very hard to connect with people, especially as a shy job-seeker. And that's why NBYF is here, to bring you closer to people of like minds. We have plans to provide training programs for our youths to equip them with the skills and knowledge they will need to properly integrate themselves into Nigeria’s workforce.

We’ll be walking them through the basics of pitching and applying for jobs, sniffing out fake job postings, as well as learning certain office etiquette that would help them keep these jobs once hired, and even retain them after the remote contracts elapse. One of our goals is to help every youth who attends our free seminars land at least two remote jobs before they are ready to get into the employment market.

Equally important, is the possibility that at these programs, youths would meet other people who want the same things as them, and thus, form valuable relationships that can bring them closer to their dream job. Our efforts aren’t geared towards 9 to 5ers alone; we will be providing facilities for those youths who feel that their strengths lie in online employment as freelancers, not under a single boss. 

For our youths who might have graduated, but are still stuck, our doors are always open. We welcome anybody who is ready to be helped. With more money, we could spread our influence to some of the hirers and companies so that it becomes easier for the youths who come to us to get good jobs without having to spend too much time in the job market expecting an acceptance letter or interview that might never come. 

Donations 

But our plans will only remain plans if you don’t help. We are a non-governmental organization with very limited resources, and we need you to partner with us. This is your chance to give our youths a chance at a better tomorrow with jobs that will empower them financially. Donate to NBYF today, and save Nigeria, one unemployed youth at a time!