Youth Unemployment in Nigeria

Taiwo Orogbangba was among the top 20 finalists in the 2010 World Bank Essay Competition on youth unemployment. Here is a bit more about him, and a summarized version of his essay.

My dream job: Computer Scientist, Social Entrepreneur
Fun fact about me: I’m a SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) member and have carried out several community projects with my school team that has won us many local and national accolades.
One word that describes youth in my country: Change agents (editor’s comment: That’s 2 words, Taiwo, but we’ll let you off the hook this time...)
I’m passionate about: Youth-driven change, equal educational rights for all the children in the world and gender equality.

Strategic Solutions to Youth Unemployment in Nigeria

In Nigeria, it is common practice for employers to ask for work experience before hiring, and this makes it extremely difficult for fresh graduate youth to compete in the labor market with experienced adults. I have highlighted some ways by which the problem could be tackled.

Wastes to wealth

Most drainage systems in Nigeria are blocked by pure water sachet (PWS) and other non-biodegradable items. This blockage has led to water logging on the streets of most cities in Nigeria, especially Lagos.

A research has shown that PWS could be used in making candles, lubricating grease, shoe polish and other products.

The researcher could be invited to a workshop where unemployed youths would be taught the techniques of converting these wastes to wealth.

Healing societal ills

Nigeria is faced with critical issues like infant mortality (which is 95.5 per 1,000 live births). This is far too high when compared to developed countries like Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This problem could be placed under control if my proposal could be followed.

In Nigeria, there is a compulsory one-year service for tertiary institution graduates where they are asked to serve the government. This exercise is called National Service Youth Corps. This model could also be adopted for unemployed youths, where they would undergo a year of entrepreneurial training alongside humanitarian training. This exercise would be called the Work Corps. During the year of training, the youths would spread the message of infant mortality, polio, and malaria to rural dwellers that are most affected by these problems. After their training, the youths would be given a certificate of entrepreneurship and service; and they would be given allowances to start up their own businesses.

This project would add values to the lives of the participants, beneficiaries and solve the problems of youth unemployment and infant mortality among others.

Get the youths already in business

A trade fair could be organized by the government for youth whose businesses are not thriving. The trade fair would be state-wide (and broadcasted on state television) and it would be organized at the state trade fair complex and other strategic places like universities and local markets.

In addition, a website should be created for potential buyers who were not able to purchase items on display during the trade fair.

Photo: © Yosef Hadar / World Bank