A Call for a National Career Guidance Program for Nigeria’s Youth
Nigerian youth are known for their intelligence and hard work, yet many struggle to build a stable career after graduation. This issue isn’t a result of a lack of ambition but is deeply rooted in a major flaw within the country’s education system: the near-total absence of effective career counseling.
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Historically, Nigeria’s education system was shaped during the colonial era to produce clerks and civil servants. This narrow focus has persisted, leaving generations of students without the guidance needed to explore their passions and find a career path that truly suits them. Today, this neglect is having devastating consequences for individuals and the nation as a whole.
The Fallout of Neglecting Career Guidance
The lack of a structured career counseling system has created a domino effect of problems:
Skills Mismatch and Unemployment:
The education system is disconnected from the needs of the modern job market. As a result, many graduates are unprepared for the skills required by today’s economy, leading to high rates of unemployment and underemployment.
Economic Loss: According to the World Bank, youth unemployment costs Nigeria billions of dollars in lost economic growth every year. This massive loss of potential talent holds the entire country back.
Psychological Distress:
A 2021 study from the University of Ibadan found that many students who felt trapped in unsuitable career paths experienced high levels of anxiety and depression.
Social Instability:
The high number of jobless young people is a contributing factor to the rise in crime, cultism, and other social vices across the country.
A Path Forward: Learning from Global Models
While President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made commendable strides with initiatives like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund and the revival of technical colleges, these efforts could fall short without a strong support system. Giving students access to loans and training is a great start, but they also need guidance on which path to take.
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Fortunately, there are successful models that Nigeria can adapt. Countries like Finland and Singapore have integrated comprehensive career guidance into their school systems from an early age.
Finland: Trained career counselors work with students to help them discover their strengths and interests, ensuring their career choices are well-informed.
Singapore: Their Education and Career Guidance (ECG) program is specifically designed to align student aspirations with the country’s workforce needs, helping to keep youth unemployment rates very low.
Australia: The National Career Education Strategy integrates career lessons into the school curriculum, teaching students essential skills like problem-solving and adaptability.
A Call to Action
To truly empower its youth, the government must launch an aggressive National Youth Career Development Initiative. This program would provide students with the clarity and direction needed to not only fulfill their personal aspirations but also contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
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The article recommends that President Tinubu appoint a special adviser for this new initiative. This person would be an innovative and visionary leader with a deep understanding of the job market and the needs of young Nigerians.
Their role would be to bypass unnecessary bureaucracy and work with all stakeholders to create a viable, national program. By prioritizing career counseling, the government can help young Nigerians build brighter, more diverse futures and unlock the nation’s true potential.
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