In Nigeria today, one of the most discouraging truths for young people chasing their career ambitions is the apparent denial of the basic freedom to dream without restraint. Even when goals are set, they frequently remain elusive, trapped in a state of “what might have been” rather than becoming concrete accomplishments. Having personally experienced the unpredictable and often overwhelming nature of job hunting, I empathize deeply with this struggle.
Take the conventional educational journey as an example: most Nigerian youths begin university around the age of seventeen, right after completing secondary school-provided they successfully navigate the often disorganized and resource-limited JAMB examination. Imagine a student who finally gains university admission at eighteen or nineteen, only to be placed in a course unrelated to their passion. Changing majors is a common occurrence, but it often prolongs their studies by an extra year or two, further delaying their graduation.
Adding to these setbacks are the recurrent ASUU strikes, which have become a near-inevitable obstacle. What should ideally be a four-year program frequently stretches to six years or beyond. A student expecting to graduate by twenty-one or twenty-two may find themselves finishing at twenty-five or older. Following this, the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program demands an additional year before they can officially enter the workforce.
This situation creates a paradox: many employers are reluctant to hire fresh graduates who lack prior practical experience, which is typically gained through graduate trainee programs. Unfortunately, these schemes often enforce strict age restrictions, usually disqualifying candidates older than twenty-five or twenty-six.
As a result, systemic delays push many young Nigerians past the age limit for these entry-level training opportunities. This forces them into difficult decisions-either diving into entrepreneurship without sufficient preparation or settling for low-tier jobs that offer minimal growth or skill enhancement.
This cycle reflects the reality faced by countless Nigerian youths: a system that extends their formative years only to penalize them for the time taken. The endless waiting-for admission, for strikes to end, for graduation, for NYSC completion, and for job offers-gradually diminishes the enthusiasm and drive that once fueled their ambitions.
Over time, their mindset shifts. Instead of asking, “What do I truly want to become?”, the question becomes, “What can I realistically tolerate?” This change marks a significant turning point in their outlook and life path.
Many young Nigerians may not realize how much of their twenties are consumed by various forms of waiting-both literal and figurative. This prolonged uncertainty often breeds impatience and a craving for quick success. Without proper guidance, this urgency can stem from either greed or the fear that time will slip away without meaningful progress.
My counsel to young people navigating this challenging environment is clear: start preparing for the professional world as early as your first day in university. Since the system is slow, unpredictable, and often unfair, the one element within your control is how soon you begin developing your skills and gaining experience. Pursue internships, volunteer roles, and collaborate with motivated, innovative peers. Staying proactive is essential to avoid stagnation.
Equally vital is expanding your horizons beyond local boundaries. Adopt a global perspective on your career. The internet has broken down many traditional barriers, allowing you to work remotely for international companies, connect with mentors worldwide, and acquire skills that are valuable beyond your immediate job market. This requires curiosity, awareness, and a willingness to explore opportunities outside your familiar environment.
Too often, young Nigerians are conditioned to focus narrowly on local prospects. Instead, challenge yourself with broader questions: Which skills are in high demand internationally? Which industries are growing? What problems are being solved in other countries? How can your expertise be relevant beyond your city or nation?
Embracing a global mindset dramatically broadens your opportunities. With more options available, your dreams become more achievable. Ideally, a system would nurture dreams first and allow practicalities to follow. But given the current reality, dreaming must be coupled with intentional preparation.
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