𝕳𝖆𝖘𝖆𝖓𝖚 retweetledi
As a northerner, I’ll be blunt here.
There are not very many excellent jobs in Nigeria, especially, in the North. And the few ones that are in the public sector? They usually go to the "highly connected” people.
And if you are able to get a place in the few ones that are left, you’ll only be paid a "survival wage." It keeps you afloat, but it won’t build you a future. In fact, with bills and family, it can make you poorer.
If your goal is to move into the middle class, which is the most realistic goal for most of us from humble backgrounds, then your strategy cannot be:
1. Waiting only for public sector jobs.
2. Limiting yourself to just your city or state.
The harsh truth is that unemployment is higher in many northern cities than it is in the south. That means your chances of landing a good job here are slimmer.
As young people, we must be pragmatic in coming up with solutions. I think these 4 practical moves can help:
1. Look to the private sector - While you’re still hoping for government, go hard for private companies. They pay better. They train you faster. They expose you to bigger opportunities.
2. Be mobile - Don’t be fixated on staying in your state or town. Be open to Lagos, Abuja, PH, Kano, anywhere with opportunity. Build yourself there first. When you’ve made it, you can always come back home and give back.
3. Polish your skills - A degree alone won’t pay bills. What problem can you solve? Learn a skill. Tech, sales, logistics, content, trades. Make yourself valuable.
4. Start something small - Having a degree doesn’t mean you must have a 9-5. The goal is to have a source of livelihood. It can be a business, a side hustle, catering, farming, e-business. Start small. Grow it.
Just be out and work hard.
I hope we succeed.
English
