Nigeria is a place where Nigerians struggle to find jobs while foreigners seem to have no problem securing employment at high rates.
By – Abayomi Odunowo
In Nigeria, there is a prevalent issue of high unemployment rates, particularly among university degree holders. However, the root cause of this problem may not necessarily be the lack of job opportunities, but rather the lack of skills that are in demand in the job market. This issue is especially evident in industries such as oil and construction, where there are numerous job vacancies for skilled workers like plumbers, carpenters, welders, and masons.
Fact-checking reveals that there are over half a million job vacancies in Nigeria within the oil sector and construction industry. However, the problem lies in the fact that many Nigerians are not pursuing training or education in these areas. Instead, the country sees a high number of graduates in fields such as sociology, philosophy, political science, and anthropology. While these are important fields of study, they may not always align with the current demands of the job market in Nigeria.
One example of this issue is seen in the case of Dangote Group, a prominent Nigerian company. When Dangote needed technicians for his refinery project, he struggled to find qualified Nigerian workers. As a result, he had to import eleven thousand technicians from India to ensure the project was completed on schedule. These technicians are now earning salaries equivalent to $750 a month in Naira, highlighting the missed opportunities for Nigerian workers.
This trend of importing foreign workers for skilled jobs that Nigerians can do is not only a missed opportunity for the country but also contributes to the high unemployment rates among its citizens. It is crucial for Nigeria to prioritize skill development in industries where there is a demand for workers, rather than focusing solely on traditional academic fields that may not offer as many job opportunities.
The issue of high unemployment in Nigeria is not solely due to a lack of job opportunities, but rather the mismatch between the skills possessed by the workforce and the skills demanded by the job market. It is essential for the country to reevaluate its education and training programs to ensure that there is a better alignment between the skills of its workforce and the needs of the job market. By addressing this issue, Nigeria can work towards reducing its unemployment rates and maximizing the potential of its workforce.
Unfortunately In Nigeria, there is a prevailing mindset among job seekers that employers should pay them to do what they want to do, rather than focusing on what the employer actually needs. This mentality reflects a lack of understanding of the fundamental concept of work – that it is a two-way street where the employer provides value in exchange for the employee’s skills and expertise.
One of the root causes of this issue is the misconception that all degrees are equal in value. In reality, degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are highly valued and in high demand in the job market. These degrees provide specialized skills and knowledge that are essential in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Following STEM degrees, degrees in Business, Economics, Law, Education, and Accounting are also highly sought after by employers.
On the other hand, degrees in fields such as sociology, philosophy, and other humanities or social science disciplines are often viewed as low-priority or even “vanity courses” in the job market. These degrees are seen as less practical and less directly applicable to the needs of employers. As a result, graduates with these degrees may struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities that align with their academic qualifications.
The harsh truth is that in terms of economic value, a non-graduate with specialized skills in areas like Nursing, Cloud Computing, Web Design, Ethical Hacking, Blockchain, laboratory technology, and others, may be more valuable to the economy than a graduate with a degree in a less practical field. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with specific skills and expertise that directly meet their needs, rather than general academic knowledge that may not be directly applicable to the job.
It is important for job seekers in Nigeria to reassess their priorities and focus on acquiring skills and knowledge that are in demand in the job market. This may require them to pursue additional training or education in specialized fields that align with the needs of employers. By understanding and meeting the needs of employers, job seekers can increase their employability and make themselves more valuable in the competitive job market. Instead of expecting employers to pay them for doing what they want to do, job seekers should strive to provide value and meet the needs of employers to secure meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Mobile : +2349053535322.
