Youths are facing both unemployment and underemployment, and experts are stressing the need for immediate interventions to address the growing issue of youth unemployment. They warn that young individuals who solely depend on traditional schools for their livelihoods are likely to suffer but should instead embrace the acquisition of competitive skills. ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE reports that Nestle can provide such opportunities

Yusuf A., a member of the Department of Business Administration at a polytechnic, states that the main goal for all graduates is to obtain a well-paying job upon completing their studies. However, this hope is shattered even after fulfilling the obligatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He said, "In the Nigerian labour sector, the reality has shown the opposite, as there are no significant job opportunities available after graduates complete the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.”

He highlights the important role that young people have in the progress of a country, especially in developing nations such as Nigeria. He expresses worry about the limited job opportunities for Nigerian youths, even after they have completed their university education.

“Furthermore, individuals who were unable to pursue higher education are also facing difficulties,” he says.

He mentions that if young people do not actively participate, it can have negative effects on the nation’s security, economy, and politics, as can currently be seen in Nigeria with issues like kidnapping, banditry, political unrest, separatist movements, and other unfavourable incidents.

However, experts say that this does not represent the perspective on young people not being gainfully employed in present-day Nigeria.

Factors contributing to youth unemployment

According to experts, it is important for individuals like Yusuf to acknowledge that there are multiple factors, especially in Nigeria, that play a role in this problem. Yusuf agrees with this perspective and highlights the current situation by stating that those who finished their education fifty years ago had a wide range of job opportunities that matched their skills.

Research suggests that the problem arises from factors such as rapid population growth, urbanization caused by migration to rural areas, and a lack of skills and work experience among young people.

Regrettably, Jobbermann Nigeria recently disclosed that over 50 per cent of Nigerian youths are currently grappling with both unemployment and underemployment, underscoring the urgent need for immediate interventions to tackle the escalating problem of youth unemployment.

Developing along significant changes

Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, who previously served as the Special Assistant to the Minister of Communications and later as the Special Assistant on Youth, ICT, and Business Relations to the Minister of Youth and Sports, aims to help individuals like Yusuf comprehend the substantial transformations occurring in the Nigerian labour market.

Areola states that around 30 million jobs will become obsolete by 2030.

However, “this does not mean that these positions will go unfilled. Instead, there will be new opportunities and work will continue.”

According to Areola, it is crucial for people, especially the youth, to adapt their skills and education accordingly as relying solely on traditional educational institutions and acquiring a university or college degree is no longer sufficient.

Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola adds that young individuals should consider exploring alternative methods, such as taking short courses, and giving priority to digital literacy.

Identifying the skills needed for the future and making efforts to acquire them is extremely important, she says.

Areola concludes that instead of learning subjects that are no longer in demand or will be phased out, young people need to realize the benefits of having competitive skills.

“Being skilled in information and communication technology (ICT) or having relevant work experience often distinguishes candidates when competing for job opportunities,” she advices.

According to her, it is crucial for young individuals to comprehend the significance of having multiple sources of income.

“They ought to contemplate initiating their own ventures, while it is the government’s duty to aid the expansion of small businesses and facilitate their progression into small and medium enterprises.

“This growth will contribute to job creation, as any business has the potential to hire more individuals, thereby reducing unemployment and underemployment in the country,” she says.

Technical training program

During the launch of the third technical training facility at the Nestlé Technical Training Center in Sagamu, Ogun State on February 10, 2023, Wassim Elhusseini, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, states to people like Yusuf that the technical training program is a part of the Nestlé Needs Youth initiative, which is a global flagship program.

“This program aims to address the technical needs of the industry and provide young Nigerians with economic opportunities,” he says.

With thousands of young people benefiting from the program since its inception, Nestlé believes that young people are at the heart of innovation and are the future.

“They are the entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow, and the next generation who will buy into our growing population. They help their communities thrive and their innovative ideas, diversity and energy benefit Nestlé,” says the source.

Elhusseini emphasizes how crucial it is for young individuals to play a role in shaping the envisioned future. Furthermore, he underlines Nestlé’s dedication to addressing the issue of youth unemployment by equipping them with the necessary skills and capabilities to actively contribute to the expansion of our economy.

Elhusseini asserts that by providing them with skills, knowledge, and opportunities, “we can enhance their individual economic circumstances as well as contribute to the social progress of their nation.”

•Onwumere writes from Rivers state. He can be reached via: apoet_25@yahoo.com

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