LAGOS — The ugly unemployment statistics of
Nigeria has been highlighted by the number of
applications from higher degree and first degree
holders who sought employment as drivers in
Dangote group. The staggering figure stands at
13,000.

Of the 13,000 applications received by the Dangote
Group for the Graduate Executive Truck Driver,
there were six Ph.D, 704 Masters and over 8,460
Bachelor degree holders.
Speaking during the mentor-ship meeting of the
World Bank Youth Forum, Chairman of Dangote Group,
Aliko Dangote, said that the company only needed
100 drivers, but received the overwhelming
applications.

According to Dangote, most of the applicants were
from reputable universities and had the needed
quality.

He said: “All these things are verifiable, and
they all graduated from reputable institutions
which is satisfactory; and our plan is to
eventually make them self dependent.

“Despite the fact that the drivers get trip
allowances on each trip along with their salaries,
the arrangement is that they will own the trucks
at no interests or repayments after they must have
reached 300,000 kilometres, which is about 140
trips from Lagos to Kano and a hard working driver
can complete in two years, while lazy ones can
take maximum of four years.”

Analysts believe that the three tiers of
government have not done enough to create
employment or create enabling environment for the
organised private sector to employ more Nigerians.

In a growing economy, it is rather shocking that
Ph.D and Masters degree holders are seeking
placement as drivers.

Martin Onyilokwu of Media Development Initiative
believes that the revelation is a wake up call for
government to go beyond rhetoric and start the
implementation of credible programmes to improve
the living condition of Nigerians.

He said:“It is no longer enough to claim that the
economy is growing by this or that per cent. The
truth of the matter is that Nigeria is not
witnessing appreciable development. We have a
situation where the living standard of the people
is at an all time low as exemplified by
insecurity, poverty, unemployment, massive
corruption, executive and legislative
recklessness. There is a need for government to
wake up to its responsibility.”

It would be recalled that in the course of last
week, thousands of young graduates staged protests
at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja when
officials denied them access to submit application
forms. The ministry has since claimed that no
employment was on-going.

Wherever rumour of employment is circulated,
thousands of duly qualified candidates turn up to
participate.

Source
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/11/6-ph-d-704-masters-holders-among-applicants-for-drivers-job-in-dangote/