The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Federal Ministry of Education to liaise with relevant government agencies to ensure employment for first-class graduates of Nigerian Institutions.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion brought by Hon. Emeka Chinedu Martins (PDP, Imo), on the ‘Need to Grant Automatic Employment to First Class Graduates.’

The lawmaker in his presentation noted that Nigerian Universities produce hundreds of First-Class graduates annually at the end of every academic year, saying that “a great percentage of them find it difficult to secure employment and contribute to nation-building.”

Hon. Martins was concerned about the growing rate at which employable First-Class graduates in Nigeria are unable to secure jobs thus, forcing them to leave the country and become assets to other countries that offer employment.

According to him, “some Universities award their first-class graduates with automatic employment as assistant lecturers or student lecturers in their specific courses.

“Recently, the University of Lagos offered employment to no fewer than 100 graduates of the University who made First-Class in various fields of study in the University, and it is common knowledge that some firms in the country consider applicants with First-class honours before other categories of graduates, which is in line with global best practices.

“Same job opportunities are not obtainable for First-class graduates in the Ministries Departments and Agencies and Parastatals, who are by virtue of their position as government agencies, saddled with the responsibilities of driving the country’s economic and Infrastructural development.

“Nigeria’s inability to leave the status of a developing nation may not be unconnected with the insensitivity and lack of political will of the ruling class and policymakers to introduce a reward system that ensures that the best brains automatically occupy important positions according to their area of competence.

“According to research, Nigeria has continued to unwittingly give away her best brains and intellectuals to other countries who by virtue of their robust policies on a value system, reward diligence and excellence as can be seen in the exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria to other countries.

“Reports have shown in seeking admissions to Universities, students consider in countries such
as the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Australia, China, Canada as it increases their chances of being employed upon graduation,” Hon. Margins’ motion added.

He further argued that automatic employment for first-class graduates will not only serve as a source of motivation for students to work harder but will also maximizes their potentials in preparation for different economic roles, future leadership positions and ultimately reduce unemployment while helping to achieve development targets.

The House upon adopting the motion mandated the Committees on Tertiary Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to ensure compliance. (Daily Independent)

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