‘How we cope with unemployment’

Emmanuel UgeleI obtained a Bachelors degree in Political Science from the Benue State University in 2007.It has not been easy coping with unemployment. In 2010, I worked with Salini Construction Company as a casual, then another firm in Anambra. Now I just go to construction sites to work as a labourer.I want govt to declare […]

Emmanuel Ugele
I obtained a Bachelors degree in Political Science from the Benue State University in 2007.
It has not been easy coping with unemployment. In 2010, I worked with Salini Construction Company as a casual, then another firm in Anambra. Now I just go to construction sites to work as a labourer.
I want govt to declare a state of emergency in the employment sector. They have been trying but they ought to do more. I want them to be more pragmatic to employ more people.
For upcoming graduates, they should learn skills while in school so that on graduation they can find something doing without depending on government.
Isaac Moses
I studied Economics and graduated from the University of Jos in 2009
Everywhere I apply, I don’t get response because I don’t know anybody there. It is corruption and nepotism that is affecting employment for jobs in Nigeria. I have set up a provisions shop to keep body and soul together.
Unemployment is a human rights issue. We want human rights organisations to take up unemployment as a youth’s rights violation.  I attend seminars and talk shops to equip myself and know what is trending.
Simon Odeh
I graduated in 2009 from the Benue State University. I have been going to seminars to improve myself and see opportunities. I always borrow money to go out with my CV to different organisations looking for job.
I want government to invest in productive ventures rather then this type of jobs creations approach that adds no profitable value to the country’s economy.
Upcoming graduates should choose courses that will make them self sufficient rather than relying on the government.
Otuekong Albert
I graduated from the University of Uyo with Bachelors Electrical Electronics Engineering in 2010. When I saw the unemployment situation in the country, I travelled abroad for a Masters degree in Advanced Control and Systems Engineering and I returned this year. I have applied to some companies since my return and I am still hoping to get some responses from them.
Most of the companies we have tried are all looking for five to 10 years experience; they want people that will come and deliver for them. Only few of them have openings for training and most of them are very limited. I don’t mind starting as a graduate-trainee to be trained on the job as a graduate engineer but I have not found such opportunities.
We want government to provide us fresh graduates with opportunities to express ourselves.  My field wants you to work as a team and be trained but if I want to think outside the box, the lack of power and financing inhibits small business growth.
Ernest Onorede Oshogbeme
I graduated with Engineering in 2011 from the Covenant University, Ota. I also have a Masters degree.
The challenge we face is that there are no companies that are willing to give you a chance to grow. Those who do will offer you peanut as salary- with such pay it becomes difficult to pick your bills.
Another challenge in running your our business or consulting companies is the lack of infrastructure. A lot of engineering firms have packed up in this country because of our poor energy supply. Let the government improve energy so that we can initiate small businesses for ourselves.
Ogbide Austin
I am a 2011 Banking and Finance graduate of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa state.
I have been looking for jobs from state to state. I served in Jigawa and later moved to Bayelsa. Later I went to Lagos where I also got a casual job to do. I later went to Delta but could not secure a job before I now came to Abuja.
I want the government to introduce stipends for graduates. This will encourage them to pursue their dreams.
Lawal Hakeem Yakubu
I have a HND in Crown Politechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state.
I have been approaching job agencies for openings. I pay them some processing fees but it has not been forthcoming. I am very angry at everything.