Understanding the Reality: Why Employment Feels Tougher Now

Fellow Nigerians, especially those of us in Kano and the broader northern region, you already know the grind. Getting a job after graduation has been like chasing a mirage—sometimes you wonder if the market is really ready for us or if the numbers just don’t add up. The economy isn’t growing as fast as we hoped, many companies are tightening their belts, and yet, every fresh graduate feels the pressure to land that first paying gig.

But here’s the hard truth: waiting for opportunities to simply fall into your lap is no longer an option. Employers want more than just a certificate; they want candidates who bring value and solutions from day one.

So, what practical steps can you take to become truly employable? Below are grounded suggestions based on what I’ve observed in Kano’s evolving job market.

• Start with Skills, Not Just Certificates. Many graduates in Kano still believe their degree guarantees a job. It doesn’t. You must build marketable skills alongside your education—think digital literacy, basic coding, data management, or even practical knowledge in your field, like bookkeeping or customer service skills for business graduates.
• NYSC Is an Opportunity — Not Just a Requirement. For many, the one-year National Youth Service Corps is just about fulfilling an obligation. Instead, leverage that year to network, volunteer for extra projects, and, if you can, get attached to companies in your desired industry. Those connections can become your foot in the door.
• Create a Portfolio or Online Presence. Particularly for creative, tech, or communications roles, having a portfolio website or active LinkedIn profile where you showcase projects, internships, and skills can differentiate you. Even basic projects or freelance work count.
• Internships and Volunteer Work Are Not Small Things. In economies under stress, work experience—even unpaid—signals seriousness and commitment. Kano has many NGOs and small businesses that can offer these chances. Tap into them rather than waiting for salaried roles to appear.
• Soft Skills Matter—Especially Communication and Attitude. Employers repeatedly mention how many graduates lack basic interpersonal skills. Practice clear communication, punctuality, and teamwork. If you’re shy, practice public speaking in local groups or online communities.
• Be Ready to Start Small and Grow. The days of expecting immediate management roles are over. Entry-level positions, part-time jobs, or roles in smaller companies can be stepping stones. Show your worth consistently, and promotion will follow.
• Stay Informed about Local Economic Trends. Kano is a commercial hub with growing tech startups and agriculture value chains. Align your job search or entrepreneurial ideas with the sectors showing growth, such as agro-processing, fintech, or logistics.
• Networking Is Still King. Don’t underestimate the power of local meetups, alumni associations, religious groups, or online forums like this one. Often, jobs come through who you know, not just what you know.

A Realistic Scenario from Kano

Consider Amina, a graduate of Microbiology from Bayero University. Instead of waiting to find a laboratory job, she volunteered with a local NGO that tests water quality in rural communities. During NYSC, she networked with healthcare providers and gained hands-on experience. She built a simple portfolio showing her projects and later secured a paid role in a private water testing company. Her willingness to start small and learn on the job made all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Graduates, the trajectory to employment in Kano—and Nigeria at large—is seldom straightforward. But embracing continuous learning, seizing every experience as a chance to grow, and positioning yourself as adaptable are key. Remember, your degree is the foundation, not the whole house.

Let's use this thread to share strategies, advice, and success stories. What practical steps have you taken or seen others take to break into a competitive job market? How can we leverage Kano’s unique economy to create more opportunities? And what role can government, schools, and employers play to bridge the gap between education and employment?