One of the best steps Nigeria’s government has taken to address the rising number of jobless youth — which increases with every Passing Out Parade of youth corps members after the NYSC — is the introduction of major changes to the education curriculum. However, while these changes are commendable, they are designed to address the future, not the present crisis.
New curriculum, skill-based learning
The Nigerian government has introduced significant reforms in the education curriculum, focusing on skills acquisition to enhance employability and entrepreneurship among students. The new model aims to produce graduates who can be self-reliant rather than depend solely on white-collar jobs.
Construction and Building Skills:
Students will now learn practical trades such as plumbing, tiling and floor works and Plaster of Paris (POP) installation.
Anyone who has travelled to developed countries knows that the services of a plumber or artisan are highly priced. Equipping students with such skills will make them marketable both locally and internationally and help reduce the ‘Japa syndrome’. This is because youth can now earn decent incomes wherever they are.
Service-Related Skills:
New courses include event decoration and management, bakery and confectioneries, hairstyling, makeup artistry and interior design.
These skills will empower young people to start small-scale enterprises and build viable careers without waiting endlessly for government employment.
Technology and Digital Skills:
Under the technology category, students will learn GSM repairs, satellite/TV antenna installation, CCTV and intercom maintenance, solar installation and basic digital literacy, including IT and robotics.
Agriculture and Entrepreneurship:
Practical knowledge of crop production, beekeeping, horticulture and livestock farming (poultry and rabbit rearing) is also incorporated to promote agribusiness among the younger generation.
The new curriculum is expected to be implemented in January 2025 for primary and junior secondary schools. Teachers will undergo training and retraining to ensure effective delivery, while infrastructural improvements will be made to support the teaching of the new trades.
A failing system, an overcrowded labour market
This move brings back memories of the 6-3-3-4 education system, which promised similar outcomes but ended up creating more confusion. Though one extra year was added to the schooling period, it yielded little benefit and only increased the financial burden on parents.
It may, therefore, not be out of place for government to review the duration of secondary education and revert to the former five-year system, as evidence suggests that quality has worsened despite the longer stay in school.
The current labour market situation is distressing. It is overflowing with graduates whom the government cannot possibly absorb, even if it decides to employ one million people every month. Thus, many frustrated youth have turned to cybercrime (“Yahoo Yahoo”) and other illegal ventures simply to survive.
One such youth, Andrias Ibrahim, shared his story: “The problem is that even when government advertises for vacancies, only those with connection are picked,” he lamented. Ibrahim said he had applied for countless jobs for over 21 years without success. Now aged 43, he is told he is over-aged for employment. “So, what am I expected to do?” he asked in frustration.
His dilemma mirrors that of thousands of graduates who excelled academically but remain unemployed because recruitment often favours those with influence rather than merit.
Towards productive engagement of youth
If government is serious about curbing cybercrime and other social vices, it must prioritise productive engagement for youths. A successful example was seen during Governor Jonah Jang’s administration, when young people were trained in various trades (carpentry, tailoring and other crafts) that today serve as their main sources of livelihood.
Similarly, the WAYE Foundation, established by Ngo Talatu Jang, empowered many women through training in baking, tailoring, bead-making, decoration and catering services.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang should borrow a leaf from this approach by reviving similar empowerment initiatives that equip young people with practical, income-generating skills.
A more radical but necessary policy could also be introduced: government should allow civil servants who wish to voluntarily retire and make way for the younger generation to do so, while offering them attractive incentives and prompt payment of entitlements to start small businesses.
In turn, government must ensure transparency and fairness in employment processes, recruiting only qualified candidates without bias or favouritism. Such deliberate action would ensure that youths are gainfully employed, reduce vices and help restore hope in a generation fast losing faith in the system.