But, it is so unfortunate that the unemployed graduates of
Nigerian institutions of higher learning have no representatives at the ongoing National Conference. Having
read the modalities of the National Conference and the
components involved, we are convinced without prejudice or
doubt, that our children would blame us if we fail to inform
you, Mr. President, of the mockery of the committee as a
result of misplaced priorities.
Mr. President Sir, the only common element which costs less,
and can solve the myriad of problems faced by most Nigerians
is EMPLOYMENT...
Unemployment is a big challenge in Nigeria, which over the
years has represented a lost opportunity for national economic development. With the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) putting the current rate of unemployed Nigerians at 23.9 per cent, up from 21.1 per cent in 2010 and 19.7 per cent in 2009, the rising unemployment rate in Nigeria has in no small measure contributed to the continuous rise in social vices like terrorism, political thuggery, violence and even teenage pregnancies among youths in many parts of the country.
In view of these, the Association of Nigerian Graduates
against Unemployment, an association of well cultured youths
and intellectuals, was formed. We represent the frustrated and
angry youths in the society, forced to act after going through
the 492 political selections for the National Conference and
noticing the deafening silence concerning unemployment and
the unemployed.
We are happy you know, according to statements credited to
you, that Nigerians are already talking about their national
challenges through the print, electronic and social media and
this is how we intend to make our voices heard.
The politicians will give the same answers and report only
what they feel you would be comfortable hearing. The truth,
Mr. President, is far from comfortable. What affects us is
UNEMPLOYMENT, and we want you to take a critical look
at the following issues:
1. Contract Staffing – This is in fact one of the biggest
problems hindering graduates from getting jobs. Most of
those assumed to be workers in most industries, firms and
companies are in fact, not permanent staff. They are all under-
employed and are also competing with fresh graduates for any
available vacancy.
2. Age limit as a prerequisite for employment opportunities.
3. The issue of years of experience by several government
ministries and parastatals.
4. Employment not being on merit.
5. Provision of social welfare for all unemployed graduates
and more for the physically challenged graduates. (Return to
the quota for each firm to employ, as a percentage of their
total workforce, a specific percentage of physically challenged
graduates)
Mr. President, from the various statistics we have from the
National Bureau of Statistics, and other sources, the number
of unemployed citizens ranges from 30 to 45 million, and that
is about the population of five major cities in Nigeria. An
average of 4.5 million graduates enter into the job market
annually with no access to soft loans or any type of enabling
environment coupled with epileptic power supply, even after
the privatization of PHCN.
The "YouWin" programme is more like and very similar to
the visa lottery game, where only lucky winners are
empowered and only the families of public office holders and
those in government get the little available jobs. We are
citizens and should also be given access to enjoy social
facilities like those in government e.g.
NHIS scheme. We are products of our society and we want to
be treated equally like those in government.
We passed through various challenges and delays in school
such as ASUU strikes, late school enrolment due to poverty
and/or ignorance, bureaucratic arrangement in government,
unfortunate policies and administrative problems.
Mr. President, we live in a country where people now sell
jobs. Everyone had hitherto been quiet about this completely
unacceptable and despicable act and it must be looked into.
We are human capital, and this is by far, the greatest asset any country can have. We are worth more than the oil in the
South-South or the pepper from the North. We cannot afford
to sit down and watch ourselves waste away anymore.
Our dear president, we commend you for what has been done
so far in addressing the issue of unemployment such as NDE,
YouWin and others, but we are asking that you help us to help
this nation and youth restiveness caused by unemployment by
empowering us.
We are tired of running out of our fatherland to foreign
countries and yet treated and addressed as third class citizens
through Visa bonding and the rest, when our country is
blessed.
The stakes are high now and we are using this opportunity to
address the polity that this association is not a political
movement or a violent sect. We are a pressure group crying
out in splinters but with one voice for our needs in our
country ,Nigeria. We denounce and disassociate ourselves
from the methodologies of some home based terror groups/
sects in the Northern part of Nigeria that have adopted
violence and are unleashing carnage on the society in fighting
their cause.
However, it should not be forgotten that the problems of
these Home Terror groups in the North started when their
needs were not met, and with lots of anomalies in their
society. Now it's spiraling and all nations are called to join in
securing the region. All we are saying is listen to our cries
now and not when things go bad. We are accessible and open
for discussions on how to forge ahead in addressing the
problems of unemployment with your support.
Mr. President Sir, ignoring the points raised here can have
unpleasant consequences. We implore you to urgently address
these points to halt the steadily growing number of angry and
frustrated unemployed graduates who may be tempted to
channel their knowledge and energy into negativities. God
bless you, sir, as we await your speedy response and God
bless Nigeria.
By Ehis Abuya
National Coordinator, Association of Unemployed Graduates
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