Popular Nollywood actor Charles Inojie has raised concerns about the employability of Nigerian graduates, arguing that many young people leave university without acquiring sufficient knowledge and practical skills in their chosen fields.
Inojie expressed his concerns while recounting an encounter with a graduate he met on a movie set. According to the actor, he was disappointed after discovering that the individual struggled to discuss the university course she had studied.
He said the graduate told him she had studied Linguistics, but appeared unfamiliar with some of the basic concepts of the discipline during their conversation.
“I was having a discussion with someone on set; she now said she studied Linguistics. She was so surprised and couldn’t believe it when I said, ‘Oh, all these Noam Chomsky children.’ She was lost when we started discussing her course of study, Linguistics, meanwhile, it was an elective course for me. She was lost,” Inojie said.
The actor said the encounter strengthened his concerns about the level of knowledge and preparedness among some Nigerian graduates.
“I was really disappointed in her and that thing dey worry me. I’ve heard people say that a good number of our graduates today are not employable. That statement no too far from the truth o. That is why many of them are not willing to work,” he added.
Inojie argued that possessing a university degree does not necessarily translate into having the knowledge or practical competence required in the workplace.
He further suggested that some young Nigerians may be reluctant to accept available employment opportunities because they lack sufficient understanding and skills in the areas in which they were trained.
BACKSTORY:
The issue of graduate employability has remained a major concern in Nigeria, with employers and education stakeholders frequently highlighting gaps between university education and the practical skills required in the workplace.
Many Nigerian graduates face difficulties securing employment despite obtaining university degrees, with factors such as limited work experience, inadequate practical training and a shortage of relevant skills often cited as contributing factors.
Charles Inojie’s comments have renewed discussion about the quality of education and the preparedness of graduates entering Nigeria’s labour market. His remarks also highlight the importance of students developing practical knowledge and skills alongside academic qualifications.
