Nigeria produces thousands of university graduates every year, but many still struggle to find gainful employment. Employers often complain that graduates are not “employable” — not because they lack certificates, but because they lack the practical skills needed in the workplace. This problem runs deep and is caused by several key factors.
Outdated Curriculum
Most Nigerian universities still use teaching materials and syllabuses that have not been updated in decades. The world has changed, but students are still being taught theories with little or no relevance to today’s job market. For instance, many tech companies now need skills like data analysis, digital marketing, software development, and UI/UX design — yet most students graduate without being exposed to these.
Emphasis on Certificates Over Competence
In Nigeria, there is heavy focus on getting a degree rather than acquiring skills. Students are often more concerned with getting good grades than learning something useful. As a result, a graduate might have a First Class in Business Administration but doesn’t know how to use Excel or write a simple business proposal.
Lack of Practical Exposure
Many Nigerian students go through four years of university without touching real-world tools or facing real-life problems. Industrial Training (IT) and SIWES programs, where they’re supposed to gain experience, are often ineffective. Some students don't even get placed in relevant organizations. They just write a report and move on.
Poor Career Guidance
Most students choose courses not based on their strengths or market demand but based on what’s available or what their parents suggest. Without proper guidance, many end up studying courses they are not passionate about and graduate with no clear career path.
Limited Access to Technology and Resources
In today’s digital age, skills like coding, digital marketing, design, and video editing are in high demand. But many students don’t have access to laptops, internet, or quality learning materials. Some don’t even know about free platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning that could help them learn valuable skills.
Lack of Soft Skills
Employers also look for qualities like good communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. But many graduates lack these because schools don’t teach them and students don’t see them as important — until it’s too late.
So, What Can Be Done?
- Students must take responsibility for their own development. The internet has made learning easier than ever. If the classroom doesn’t teach you, teach yourself.
- Schools must reform their curriculum to reflect today’s realities, not the 1980s.
- Government and private sector should invest more in vocational and digital training programs.
- Parents and mentors must help young people choose careers based on skills and passion, not just tradition or prestige.
Conclusion
Having a degree is no longer enough. The real currency today is skills — practical, relevant, and in-demand skills. Until Nigerian graduates begin to prioritize learning useful abilities over just chasing certificates, the problem of unemployment will persist. Change must begin from both ends — the institutions and the individuals.