INTERVIEWS: More Nigerian University Graduates Want To Become Entrepreneurs

A random interview of university graduates now awaiting the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by THE WHISTLER revealed that many Nigerian university graduates are now thinking of creating jobs for themselves rather than joining the country’s growing job markets.

Unemployment has risen progressively in the country over the years and seemed to climax since the economic crisis of 2014. According to the 2018 report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), a total of 20.9 Nigerians is currently unemployed, and there are fears that the number may continue to grow.

But many of the graduates interviewed by our correspondents appreciates the unemployment challenges in the country and expressed the desire to start their own businesses.

Many of them had acquired useful skills they hope to start their own entrepreneurship careers while some others said they had started learning new things so they could set up on their own or become more employable. Those whose views were sampled are graduates of different public and private universities.

Below are excerpts:

CHUKWUMBA CHIKE (Economics)

“As a graduate, I have sought advice and guidance and concluded that most youths come out of the university looking for jobs that are honestly limited in number in the labour market. Some get it, while others don’t. As for me, I have been given the knowledge to start a business to be my own boss and that is what I have been working on. I have always been good at men’s wear and my goal is to have my own clothing line or brand and designs. with this I can get income and do what I love. I also have other business plans that I am working towards.”

OLUWATAYO AYODEJI (Studied Mass Comm)

“I started a Motion Graphics Training about a month ago. Motion Graphics refers mainly to putting graphic design in motion. I feel people do not really know about all the fantastic benefits that video content can add to their marketing plan. Motion graphics (advert) are striking in terms of visual attraction and could possibly bring increase in customer patronage.”

NAMEH JOHN (International Studies)

“I am basically just exploring myself; knowing what I can do with or without my degree. I tried to model for Port Harcourt fashion week to know if that is where my talent in. I tried to do some motivational speaking at schools. Also did some baby-sitting. I started a cupcake business. I also realized this is the only time I will have such vacation because after NYSC I will never have free time as long as I am in the work force.”

  ISHOLA ZEENAT (Civil Engineering)  

“Well after school, I started a skin care and hair care blog because that has always been my interest after engineering. It has been going well so far.”

EMUEKPERE LISA (International Studies)

“I am not working now. I am learning make-up which I do have a passion for. I don’t know if I will do it professionally or try to do a business with it but just having it handy is an advantage.”

CHIMENEM NSIRIM (Management)

“I started working because I wanted to get experience to add to my CV and get smart about the workplace. I am book smart, but I think that is different when it comes to work and knowing the exact   things to do. I wanted to explore my interest in the health sector so the first job I did, I was the monitor for Maternal and Child Health week for Rivers State.”

OYINKANSOLA MUSA (Civil Engineering)

“I am currently into networking. I am undertaking a professional course offered by CISCO. It is mostly about designing and managing connection in organization. The labour market is very competitive and filled with unemployed graduates so to be able to acquire a job, I have to have the knowledge of the job which others are yet to acquire because this will give me an upper hand in the labour market. I am expecting NYSC to increase their minimum wage to 30 thousand Naira.”

SHAQUILLE JULIEN OBOMEGHIE (Business Management)

“I am not working. I am playing in a football club which is my passion. It is not the season to play but I occasionally play football in order not to get too lazy when the season comes.”

IKECHUKWU AHIARA (Industrial Physics)

“I am not engaged now. However, I want to create ideas that have come to me while studying in schools. I don’t know if I will be able to do it in Nigeria, but I think it will be easier abroad.  I am expecting that NYSC will help me understand better what career path I would like to take going forward.”

WAGWU WINIFRED (International Relations)

“I am working at DSTV Multichoice (where I did my internship) as a sales representative. I am also going for French Classes.”