Tales of Kaduna unemployed graduates

In Kaduna State, the closure of textile and other industries has seriously increased unemployment rate especially among graduates, skilled and semi-skilled persons, a major social problem affecting the growth and development of the state. Marshal Yakusak Nuhu, an unemployed graduate of Sociology from Kaduna State University who is currently carrying out his Masters degree research […]

In Kaduna State, the closure of textile and other industries has seriously increased unemployment rate especially among graduates, skilled and semi-skilled persons, a major social problem affecting the growth and development of the state.

Marshal Yakusak Nuhu, an unemployed graduate of Sociology from Kaduna State University who is currently carrying out his Masters degree research in criminology at the Nasarawa State University Keffi, said he had applied for several jobs even when he had only a diploma certificate from Kaduna State College of Education.
Speaking to Daily Trust, Nuhu said: “After my secondary school, I went to Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya, Kafanchan Campus and graduated with a Diploma in Business Administration. I made effort to see whether I would be able to secure a job. When the job was not forthcoming after two to three years, I proceeded to Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa as ND II special. I studied Business Studies.

When I finished, I also applied for various jobs and they were not forthcoming. Again, I secured an admission to study Business Studies (HND) and at the same time, I secured another admission at Kaduna State University. I abandoned the HND admission and went to Kaduna State University. I graduated with BSC in Sociology. I made several efforts to secure a job but it was not forthcoming. I attended several interviews at the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, National Defence College and many organisations. Sometimes they congratulated me but still I could not get the appointment letter,” Nuhu said.
Having waited that long without a job, Nuhu said he had to enroll in a Masters  programme to study criminology at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi and is currently carrying out his research.
“Human beings at times do think that immediately after graduation from a tertiary institution, a job is by the door waiting for you but that was not the case with me. I made several efforts to secure a job, after contacting a lot of people to see if they can fix me somewhere but the job was not forth coming.
“Immediately after graduation from KASU, there was an advert I saw in the paper, I applied and I was called for an interview in Lagos. After the interview, they even congratulated me. But up till this very hour, there is no appointment letter,” he added.
Nuhu, however, disclosed that life without a job has equipped him with many stories to tell because it has not been smooth. After gathering a lot of certificates and with the way the economy of Nigeria is, unemployed people can’t cope that’s why crime is on the increase, he said.
“As for me, I don’t just fold my arms  like that, I engage myself in menial or odd jobs at times to keep myself going. At times I do tutorials, at times I go to schools to deliver lectures for money.”
He advises graduates also  not to fold their arms and expect manna from heaven, saying that they should just keep pushing and doing things that will help them.  
“I am very positive about Nigeria because what we are experiencing today, we don’t want generations to come to pass through it. Sorrow may come in the night but joy comes in the morning, Nigeria will surely improve that is my belief and prayers,” Nuhu added.
On his part, Jatau Zephaniah, a holder of NCE and BA in English language from Kaduna State College of Education Gidan-Waya and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria respectively, said he never believed the situation was terrible until he completed his national service.
 “I went to Kaduna State College of Education Gidan Waya where I obtained an NCE in English. I proceeded as well to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria where I obtained a BA in English language and served in Edo  State.
“If people were talking about lack of jobs, I always though it’s a mere discussion and concluded that people talking about unemployment were selfish and not serious in searching for jobs. I thought the unemployed graduates were just being selective. I didn’t know I was coming to have such experience after service.
 “I must tell you today that unemployment is real in Nigeria. All this while, I was thinking after my NYSC, I would get a job but things have not been working well . I’ve applied at NCC, Nigeria Army Direct Short Service Commission and Nigeria Prisons Service where we did screenings and exercises but I am still at home without any job after applying in many other places.
“I understand that positions are advertised based on requirements and qualifications but the jobs are not there. Sometimes they call for interviews when they have already employed their friends and relatives,” Jatau said.

He said unemployment is a killer disease because applicants are roaming the streets without any job, working hard to find jobs,  but nothing is forthcoming.
“Life has been stressful and painful as well because we’ve been applying but nothing good is coming. We are faced with depression, dejection and trauma.”
However, he expressed optimism, saying that he will never give up  and won’t engage in any criminal activity.
He urged students and unemployed graduates to follow the right path by working hard and developing courage and confidence that things will work fine because the future on Nigeria holds great opportunities for all.
Experts believe government can tackle unemployment by making agriculture more attractive through the provision of modernized tools and other necessities.