NIGERIA’s growing wave of youth unemployment goes beyond a shortage of jobs, according to a Health Systems and Human Resources expert who points to weak workplace standards, poor work ethics, and systemic barriers as major obstacles to harnessing the nation’s human capital.
“With the right structures in place, population can be an asset — it is more manpower,” said Mrs. Rachel Adegbe, Human Resources Assistant Director at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) in an interview with National Record.
“The challenge is that there are too few businesses and organisations ready to absorb graduates as they leave school. This is compounded by the cynicism created by godfatherism, where jobs are often secured through connections rather than qualifications,” Mrs Adegbe said.
She added that the problem is not limited to job availability, but also involves performance and work ethics among those already employed.
“People must see that career growth comes through hard work, professionalism, and integrity,” Mrs. Adegbe said. “Graduates should focus on building relevant skills to match job opportunities rather than seeking shortcuts into the workforce.”
Highlighting the shared responsibility in tackling unemployment, she explained that both employers and employees must play their part. “This is a two-way street,” Mrs. Adegbe said, adding: “Employers must uphold standards and systems that promote quality work, while employees must rise to meet those expectations. When both sides commit, productivity improves, more jobs are created, and the nation benefits.”
She also pointed to initiatives such as the National Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), which offers graduates practical experience while awaiting full-time employment. “Creating jobs is not enough,” she added. “There must be standards. Organisations and the nation must be known for professionalism and ethical conduct. Strong partnerships with higher institutions can help prepare graduates for the realities of the workplace.”
Mrs. Adegbe concluded that building workplace standards, culture, and ethics — alongside job creation — would help reduce youth unemployment and develop a more capable, responsible workforce. She insisted that addressing the challenge requires collective action from employers, employees, educational institutions, and government — a true two-way street.
