Dispelling the Myth of “No Jobs” in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide to Career Pathways and Employability
Teekay Adams
Lead partner at
Teekay career center
Write for Adeleke reporters
11th January, 2025
Introduction
In recent times, there has been a pervasive belief that there are no jobs in Nigeria. However, this narrative often overlooks the broader picture of employability, career planning, and the ever-evolving job market. This report seeks to dispel the myth by offering insights into effective career paths, strategies for skill acquisition, the importance of guidance and counseling, and how job seekers can better position themselves to access available opportunities.
1. Career Path Development: The Importance of Guidance and Counseling
In the past, guidance and counseling units in secondary schools played a crucial role in helping students identify their strengths and interests, guiding them towards suitable career paths. Unfortunately, the decline of these units has left many students navigating their career decisions without the necessary support. As a result, numerous students are enrolling in courses they have little interest in or that are not aligned with their career aspirations.
Parents, in the absence of structured guidance in schools, must step in to help guide their children. It is essential to encourage children to pursue courses that will not only be personally fulfilling but also relevant to societal needs. Graduates earn money by solving problems, not simply by holding a degree.
To guide a child effectively in choosing a course, the following steps are recommended:
1. Identify societal challenges: Ask your child what societal problems or challenges they would like to solve. This will often provide clues to viable career paths.
2. Research relevant courses: Use platforms like Google to identify courses that provide the necessary knowledge to solve those problems. Remember, this could be a university degree, a polytechnic program, a short course, or even an online certification.
3. Cost and time consideration: Choose the most cost-effective and time-efficient path to acquiring the necessary skills for the chosen career.
This approach not only aligns students’ education with societal needs but also increases their chances of securing meaningful employment.
2. Leveraging Internships and Volunteering for Career Entry
Many graduates express interest in working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), but lack the relevant experience required to secure a job in the sector. One effective strategy is to pursue internships or volunteer opportunities during and after their studies.
Internships: While still in school, students can seek internships with NGOs during semester breaks. By dedicating time to intern with these organizations, they acquire valuable work experience, which can give them an advantage when applying for full-time roles.
Volunteering: Alternatively, graduates can apply to work as volunteers with NGOs. Volunteering allows individuals to gain hands-on experience without the immediate expectation of payment. In some cases, NGOs may offer stipends to cover transportation and meals. After a few months of volunteer work (usually 3-5 months), individuals will have developed the required skills and experience to transition into paid roles in the same or other NGOs.
Internships and volunteering are not only valuable for gaining experience but also for building networks that may lead to full-time employment.
3. Career Transition: Moving Between Fields
Career transitions are common, particularly for individuals who may find themselves dissatisfied with their current career path. In such cases, it is crucial to act swiftly. The key steps to successfully transition into a new career field include:
1. Seek professional counseling: A career counselor can help individuals assess their skills, interests, and options for moving into a new field.
2. Enroll in short courses: Acquiring new skills is often the best way to bridge the gap between one’s current position and the desired career. Short courses—whether online or offline—are a practical solution for quickly gaining the necessary qualifications for a new career.
3. Leverage job placement services: Many training organizations offer job placement assistance after completing their programs. Take advantage of these services to enter the job market in a new field.
4. The Myth of “No Jobs” in Nigeria
A key aspect of the misconception that there are no jobs in Nigeria lies in a misunderstanding of what qualifies someone for a job. Every year, large numbers of graduates enter the job market, many armed only with certificates. However, these graduates often lack the essential skills that employers seek.
A simple search on job boards reveals numerous vacancies across different sectors, but many job seekers fail to meet the qualifications listed in the job descriptions. The core issue is the lack of employability skills—skills beyond what is taught in university classrooms. These include technical skills, problem-solving abilities, communication, and work experience.
To address this, job seekers should:
1. Review job requirements carefully: Before applying for any job, ensure that you meet the qualifications listed in the job description. If there are gaps, pursue short-term courses—either online or offline—to acquire the necessary skills.
2. Gain relevant work experience: As mentioned earlier, internships, volunteering, and freelance work are excellent ways to gain the work experience that employers value.
By upskilling and aligning one’s education with the demands of the job market, individuals can significantly improve their chances of employment.
Conclusion
The notion that there are no jobs in Nigeria is a misconception rooted in the lack of alignment between education, career planning, and employability. Through effective guidance in selecting a career path, actively pursuing internships and volunteer opportunities, and equipping oneself with relevant skills through short courses, job seekers can successfully navigate the Nigerian job market. There are ample opportunities available—those who are proactive in acquiring the right skills and experiences will find that the job market is far from empty.
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