My parents in their benevolence kept me in a bubble: a bubble of perpetual provision and financial security. I had zero worries and big dreams. There was this picture in mind of what my life would look like: graduate from the university by 19, get a well-paying job that would cater to my expensive tastes immediately after, and make a meaningful impact in my community by funding sustainability projects.
The transition from these childhood dreams to adulthood realities was quite shocking. It all started after I graduated from university at 19 and my dream job failed to show up. I turned 20 with no job. Despite my best efforts and tireless pursuit, I kept getting rejections and closed doors. Twenty-one came around and I remained unemployed.
Unemployment is a big challenge in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria, the youth unemployment rate in Nigeria averaged 22.97% from 2014 to 2023, reaching an all-time high of 53.40% in the fourth quarter of 2020. This means you can have the best education and outstanding skills but remain jobless. That is the reality of a typical Nigerian.
This is where Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth comes in. The targets of this goal are: promoting policies to support job creation and growing enterprises; promoting full employment and decent work with equal pay; promoting youth employment, education, and training; and developing a global youth employment strategy among others.
The good news is that achieving goal 8 is possible. The government has a pivotal role to play in this but we as individuals can contribute to achieving this goal by:
Learning entrepreneurial skills and starting businesses
Pursuing continuous education and skill development to enhance employability
Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship within our communities
Volunteering or mentoring to help others gain valuable skills and experience
Raising awareness about the importance of sustainable economic growth and decent work for all
If we cannot reach our destination through route A, surely we could try out route B or C. For me, that is what it means to be a Nigerian. It is the ability to be resilient and resourceful. Turns out, a white-collar job is not the only way to make money!
What Does It Mean To Be Nigerian?
By Ruth Ajawu
My parents in their benevolence kept me in a bubble: a bubble of perpetual provision and financial security. I had zero worries and big dreams. There was this picture in mind of what my life would look like: graduate from the university by 19, get a well-paying job that would cater to my expensive tastes immediately after, and make a meaningful impact in my community by funding sustainability projects.
The transition from these childhood dreams to adulthood realities was quite shocking. It all started after I graduated from university at 19 and my dream job failed to show up. I turned 20 with no job. Despite my best efforts and tireless pursuit, I kept getting rejections and closed doors. Twenty-one came around and I remained unemployed.
Unemployment is a big challenge in Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria, the youth unemployment rate in Nigeria averaged 22.97% from 2014 to 2023, reaching an all-time high of 53.40% in the fourth quarter of 2020. This means you can have the best education and outstanding skills but remain jobless. That is the reality of a typical Nigerian.
This is where Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth comes in. The targets of this goal are: promoting policies to support job creation and growing enterprises; promoting full employment and decent work with equal pay; promoting youth employment, education, and training; and developing a global youth employment strategy among others.
The good news is that achieving goal 8 is possible. The government has a pivotal role to play in this but we as individuals can contribute to achieving this goal by:
Learning entrepreneurial skills and starting businesses
Pursuing continuous education and skill development to enhance employability
Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship within our communities
Volunteering or mentoring to help others gain valuable skills and experience
Raising awareness about the importance of sustainable economic growth and decent work for all
If we cannot reach our destination through route A, surely we could try out route B or C. For me, that is what it means to be a Nigerian. It is the ability to be resilient and resourceful. Turns out, a white-collar job is not the only way to make money!
This Week's
Featured Posts
Email Us:
Quick Links
Find Us:
Beaufort Court Estate,
Lugbe, Abuja.
Call Us: