NAVIGATING THE FEAR OF UNEMPLOYMENT: CHALLENGES FACED BY NYSC GRADUATES ~Opata Abdallah Little

NAVIGATING THE FEAR OF UNEMPLOYMENT: CHALLENGES FACED BY NYSC GRADUATES ~Opata Abdallah Little 

Before the completion of the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, many young Nigeria graduates especially the children of less privileged find themselves grappling with the fear of joblessness. This fear stems from the uncertainty of securing employment in a society where favoritism, nepotism are the tools people used in a highly competitive job market.

First and foremost, the current job market is saturated with a large number of qualified and talented individuals. With universities churning out graduates in various fields every year, the competition for limited job opportunities becomes fierce. This reality, with the economic downturns reduced the number of available positions, intensifying the fear of joblessness among NYSC graduates.

Moreover, the lack of practical skills and work experience poses a significant challenge for fresh graduates. While academic qualifications are important, employers often seek candidates with four or five years hands-on experience in their respective fields, how could that be possible for a fresh graduate. Unfortunately, most NYSC graduates have limited opportunities to gain practical experience during their service year, leading to a gap in their skillset. This gap further exacerbates the fear of joblessness as employers prioritize candidates with relevant practical skills.

Additionally, the fear of joblessness after NYSC is also fueled by the prevailing nepotism and favoritism in the job market. Many graduates believe that securing a job is not solely based on merit and qualifications but also on personal connections and networks (who you know). This perception creates a sense of hopelessness and increases the fear of being left unemployed despite having the necessary qualifications.

To address the fear of joblessness, it is crucial for NYSC official to make some certain changes in the 21 days of camping for graduates especially in terms of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneur Development (SAED). Firstly, they should focus on extending the duration of the SAED program in the camp and they should also make sure that they make all the camp SAED skills available in every local government where corp members will be posted to for their primary assignment for the graduates to gain enough practical skills and work experience during their service year. 

In the case of the corp members whose SAED was a solar installation, computer/ graphics designs and others in the camp are not expected to be perfect within two weeks stipulated for SAED by the NYSC, compare to those who goes for barbing and other minor SAED activities in the camp, such corpers may be posted to a typical village where there is no means to continue their post camp SAED training on solar installation, any other high tech SAED programs. 

As the fear of joblessness roots firmly, it should give use an opportunity to networking which is another vital aspect that graduates should prioritize. Actively participating in professional events, job fairs, and maintaining connections with former colleagues and professors can open doors to potential job opportunities. Building a strong professional network increases visibility and improves the likelihood of being considered for job vacancies.

Lastly, for the future ahead of the youths of this country, it will be of great benefits if the government can introduce SAED into our undergraduate programs in school which every every undergraduates are expecting take during their stay in school. This under graduate SAED program will be a compulsory course for students in their level three and finally year, if possible it should marks should be attached to it that any one who thinks to skip the process will skip the chance of graduating with his/her course mates.

In conclusion, the fear of joblessness after NYSC is a common concern among young graduates. The competitive job market, lack of practical skills, and favoritism contribute to this fear. It is important to remember that perseverance, resilience, and a positive mindset are essential in navigating the post-NYSC job market. However, by adopting a proactive approach, focusing on acquiring practical skills, networking, fresh graduates can overcome this fear and increase their chances of securing employment.