Addressing Youth Unemployment In Nigeria

 By Sirajaddeen Bello

Among Nigeria’s many socioeconomic challenges, one issue stands out as the biggest threat, casting a gloomy shadow over both the present and the future. That issue is youth unemployment. It is a subject that elicits a head shake, and a sense of impending doom. But beyond the sombre tone, let me unravel the implications of this predicament and infuse a touch of hope into this  serious issue.

Youth unemployment in Nigeria isn’t just a problem; it’s an iceberg of colossal proportions. Picture some hundreds of thousands, nay, millions of youths (educated, bright young minds) stuck in a seemingly endless and almost fruitless game of job hunting— a game where there are fewer opportunities and a mammoth crowd of players. 

It’s a perplexing paradox, navigating through such a complicated realm that occasionally resembles a labyrinth of bureaucracy and nepotism, where these players could either be overqualified or in many cases, underqualified, creating a complex, ‘funny’ puzzle that baffles many.

Now, one might be wondering, why care about this one particular problem, youth unemployment and even go on to declare it a “time bomb”? Too strict a term! Well, let me draw you a vivid picture. A sizable chunk of our youths are left idle, grappling with feelings of inadequacy, financial crisis and frustration. Do you think all will end well? 

This idle energy, if not given the needed attention and channelled constructively, can surely fester and lead to various social ills in unimaginably ugly ways. So, you see, it’s not just a ticking time bomb: it’s an evil fuse that could ignite a powder keg of problems for this country.

It’s still not too late for the authorities to right this wrong. We’ve analysed the problem to an extent. Let’s talk solutions because dwelling on problems only, without drawing out remedies, is almost like writing a story with no plot. Nigeria’s greatest asset is its youths who are brimming with creativity and untapped potential. 

A serious country can’t afford to let this resource go to waste. Now is the time to bridge the gap between the skills presumably possessed by our youths and the skills demanded by the labour market. Various vocational training centres (not the usual ‘crash’ workshops that hardly change a thing) and a vibrant educational system tailored to market needs can play a very important role. 

While taking into consideration how businesses are suffering due to skills mismatch, the government and stakeholders in the private sector need to collaborate and determine what knowledge and skills young people should be taught to have rewarding jobs. The government should play a more active role in promoting appropriate education and capacity-building for the youth.

Another equally important area to work on is entrepreneurship. In a country where the labour market is fiercely competitive, encouraging more young entrepreneurs is in order. Our youths are teeming with brilliant ideas waiting to be hatched. Government support, access to funds and mentorship programmes can nurture these promising business moguls.

Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem offers great hope. The digital world is surely a place where opportunities abound for the tech-savvy. The government should invest in technology infrastructure and create an environment that supports innovation and start-ups, as well as training and mentorship for young people. These and many other initiatives centred on progress and empowerment can go a long way in addressing our plight.

The evil of unemployment in Nigeria is undoubtedly a ticking time bomb. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to detonate. By investing in skills development, nurturing entrepreneurship, promoting innovative empowerments and retaining our trademark diligence, among others, we can defuse this albatross and unleash the incredible potential of our youths.

*Bello is a commentator on public issues (sirajaddeenm2019@gmail.com)