For many young Nigerians today, the pursuit of career goals is often overshadowed by the frustrating reality of limited freedom to envision and chase dreams without constraints. Ambitions frequently remain just that-unrealized hopes caught in a limbo of “what could have been” rather than tangible achievements. Having personally navigated the unpredictable terrain of job searching, I understand the depth of this challenge.
Consider the typical academic path: most Nigerian youths enter university around seventeen, immediately after secondary school, provided they successfully pass the often chaotic and resource-strapped JAMB exams. Picture a student who secures university admission at eighteen or nineteen, only to find themselves enrolled in a program that doesn’t align with their true interests. Switching courses is common but usually extends the duration of study by one or two years, delaying graduation further.
Compounding these delays are the frequent ASUU strikes, which have become almost a standard disruption. What should be a four-year degree often stretches to six years or more. A student expecting to graduate by twenty-one or twenty-two might end up finishing at twenty-five or older. Afterward, the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) adds another year before they can officially join the workforce.
This creates a paradoxical situation: employers often hesitate to recruit fresh graduates lacking hands-on experience, which is typically gained through graduate trainee programs. Unfortunately, these programs usually impose strict age limits, disqualifying candidates beyond twenty-five or twenty-six years old.
Consequently, systemic delays push many young Nigerians past the age threshold for these entry-level training opportunities. This predicament forces them into tough choices-either venturing into entrepreneurship without adequate preparation or accepting low-level jobs that offer little room for growth or skill development.
This cycle reflects a harsh truth for many Nigerian youths: a system that prolongs their formative years only to penalize them for the time taken. The constant waiting-for admission, for strikes to end, for graduation, for NYSC completion, and for job offers-gradually erodes the passion and motivation that once fueled their dreams.
Over time, their mindset shifts. Instead of pondering, “What do I genuinely aspire to become?”, the question morphs into, “What can I realistically endure?” This shift marks a pivotal change in their outlook and life trajectory.
Many young Nigerians may not fully grasp how much of their twenties are consumed by various forms of waiting-both literal and metaphorical. This prolonged uncertainty often breeds impatience and a hunger for rapid success. Without proper mentorship, this urgency can stem from either greed or the fear that time will slip away without meaningful progress.
My advice to young people facing these obstacles is straightforward: begin preparing for your career from day one in university. Since the system is slow, unpredictable, and often unjust, the one factor you can control is how early you start building your skills and gaining practical experience. Seek internships, volunteer opportunities, and collaborate with driven, innovative peers. Staying proactive is crucial to avoid stagnation.
Equally important is broadening your perspective beyond local confines. Cultivate a global outlook on your career. The internet has dismantled many traditional barriers, enabling you to work remotely for international firms, connect with mentors worldwide, and acquire skills that hold value beyond your immediate environment. This requires curiosity, awareness, and a readiness to explore opportunities outside your comfort zone.
Too often, young Nigerians are conditioned to focus narrowly on local prospects. Instead, challenge yourself with wider questions: Which skills are in demand globally? Which sectors are expanding? What challenges are being addressed in other countries? How can your expertise be relevant beyond your city or nation?
Adopting a global mindset significantly expands your opportunities. With more avenues open, your aspirations become more attainable. Ideally, a system would nurture dreams first and allow practicalities to follow. But given the current reality, dreaming must be paired with deliberate preparation.
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Image credit: Ninth Grid via Pexels
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