By Yusuf Yakubu Muhammad
Youth unemployment is one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria today. Every year, thousands of young Nigerians graduate from universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational institutions with high hopes of securing decent jobs.
Unfortunately, the number of available jobs is far less than the number of graduates entering the labour market.
This reality has left many young people unemployed, underemployed, or forced into jobs that do not match their qualifications.
According to the World Bank (2024), Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing youth populations in the world, and creating enough productive jobs for this population is essential for reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. The report notes that sustainable employment is critical to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
Speaking on the importance of youth employment, Dr. Ndiame Diop, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, stated that “creating more productive jobs is essential for reducing poverty and helping Nigeria achieve inclusive economic growth.”
His statement highlights the need for policies that go beyond creating temporary employment and instead build an economy capable of generating lasting opportunities for young people.
I had an opportunity to interview a phone accessories seller in Beirut market Kano.
Musa Abubakar is a graduate of geography education from Kano State University of Science and technology said his journey into entrepreneurship began after spending a long time searching for employment without success.
He said he applied for jobs in different places and hoped to secure a stable job, but despite his efforts, he was unable to find one.
He communicated that he noticed the increasing demand for mobile phones and their accessories, including chargers, earpieces, phone cases, screen protectors, power banks and USB cables.
He said this encouraged him to start selling phone accessories on a small scale.
The seller narrated that one of the important things he learned was the need to understand customers and provide them with quality products.
He added that some customers are more concerned about price, while others prefer durable and original accessories, so he tries to provide different options according to their needs.
He said his business has helped him become financially independent and has given him the opportunity to create a source of income for himself rather than depending entirely on formal employment.
One of the major reasons behind youth unemployment is the gap between education and the labour market.
Many graduates possess academic qualifications but lack the practical, technical, and digital skills required by employers.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), strengthening technical education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programmes can improve young people’s chances of securing meaningful employment.
However, solving unemployment is not only about helping graduates find jobs. It is also about preparing them to create businesses that can employ others.
Entrepreneurship has become one of the most effective ways of addressing unemployment in many developing countries.
Successful Nigerian entrepreneurs have shown that with innovation, determination, and the right support, young people can transform small business ideas into companies that create jobs for many others.
Abba Abdurrazak, a graduate of computer science from ABU said after graduating the situation was initially frustrating because he had expected to get a job after completing his studies.
However, he added that he later realised that waiting for employment was not the only option available to him.
He narrated that he had an interest in graphic design and printing and noticed that there was a growing demand for printing services in his community.
He said this motivated him to turn his skills and interest into a business.
I did not have enough capital when he started the business, so he began on a small scale with the resources available to him.
According to him, he gradually reinvested the money he made into the business and acquired better equipment as the business grew. He said.
He said one of the major challenges he faced was attracting customers because the business was new and there were already established printing shops.
He added that the high cost of printing machines and materials also made the business challenging at the beginning.
He said his experience had taught him that failure to secure a formal job does not means failure in life.
He added that young people should learn practical skills, start businesses on a small scale and gradually build them rather than depending entirely on government or private-sector employment.
The Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony O. Elumelu, has consistently argued that entrepreneurship is the key to Africa’s economic transformation.
According to him, “Africa’s future lies in the hands of entrepreneurs who create jobs and solve problems within their communities.”
Through the foundation’s entrepreneurship programme, thousands of young Nigerians have received funding, training, and mentorship to establish their own businesses.
Similarly, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s former Vice President, has repeatedly emphasized that innovation and entrepreneurship are essential for reducing unemployment.
He has argued that investing in young entrepreneurs will strengthen the country’s economy because small businesses are major employers of labour.
Despite these opportunities, many young entrepreneurs continue to face significant obstacles. Poor electricity supply, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, high interest rates, multiple taxation, and policy inconsistency discourage many business owners.
The World Bank has repeatedly identified these challenges as major barriers to private sector growth and job creation in Nigeria.
Experts believe that government must create an enabling environment where businesses can thrive.
This includes improving electricity, expanding internet access, investing in transport infrastructure, providing affordable loans for young entrepreneurs, reducing unnecessary regulations, and strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Young Nigerians themselves must embrace lifelong learning. Today’s economy rewards people who continuously improve their skills in technology, communication, agriculture, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and other emerging industries. Waiting only for government jobs is no longer a sustainable strategy.
Youth unemployment is not a challenge that government alone can solve. It requires collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, development partners, communities, and young people themselves.
By investing in skills development, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating an environment where businesses can grow, Nigeria can transform millions of unemployed youths into innovators, employers, and drivers of economic growth.
As Tony Elumelu rightly observed, “The future of Africa depends on the entrepreneurs we empower today.”
If Nigeria successfully shifts its focus from producing job seekers to producing job creators, the country will not only reduce unemployment but also build a stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive economy for generations to come.
Yusuf Yakubu Muhammad wrote in from Kano State.