In Nigeria, graduates with a First Class honour are often seen as a beacon of excellence and a symbol of hard work and dedication. Since they are seen as the pinnacle of academic achievement, society often holds these people in high regard. However, despite their impressive credentials, more than 80 per cent of Nigerians with First Class honour still struggle to find meaningful employment and are often left feeling lost and disillusioned. Graduating with first-class honours was once a surefire method to land a good job because it showed that the candidate had the ability to succeed in their chosen field. However, in recent times, the respect and dignity connected to first-class honour have diminished.

Nigeria's unemployment rate is at an all-time high, with many qualified and talented individuals struggling to be gainfully employed. Due to this, those with first-class honours now have to compete with a huge number of other highly qualified applicants for a limited number of job openings. As a result, despite their remarkable academic accomplishments, many first-class graduates find themselves unemployed or underemployed.

In addition to the high rates of unemployment, favouritism and nepotism are key factors in the job market of the country. It is not uncommon for individuals to be employed for positions based on their connections or relationships, rather than their qualifications or experience. This implies that even those with first-class honours may be denied job opportunities in favour of less qualified candidates with the right connections.

In Nigeria, the loss of prestige and respect for first-class graduates is a significant problem, as it discourages individuals from striving for academic excellence and undermines the value of hard work in the pursuit of university degrees. Additionally, it feeds a cycle of inequality because those who can get good employment because of their connections are more likely to have the means to give their children the same opportunities in the future.

However, some steps can be taken to address this issue. The government can try to strengthen the economy and increase job opportunities, while also cracking down on favouritism and corruption in the hiring process. Universities can also do their part by providing their students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the job market, and by actively promoting the value of a first-class degree to employers.

© ELEMOSHO HABEEB
elemoshohabeebbolaji22@gmail.com

@op, Are you a First Class Graduate?