This guide is for young Nigerians who are either contemplating going to university or dropping out to hustle. The unemployment rate in the country is very high. In fact, Nigeria is suffering from under unemployment. Yes, there are jobs out there but for every job vacancy there are at least 2,000 applicants. The few jobs that are available are gotten through "connections". Most Nigerians do not have the luxury of having people in influential positions.

So many youths are disillusioned with the system. They are screaming out in despair that "education is a scam". You can't blame them for saying that as you spend so many years in university and there are no jobs available while a trader makes more money in a week that you make in a month.

With no disrespect, the Nigerian educational system and culture has failed the youths. Why do I say so? In this part of the world, family dictates your career path. "Be a lawyer, doctor, accountant or architect". They will not tell you the reasons for doing so. They will not give you the pros & cons of such career decision making. You go to university, your lecturers will not give you any career advice. They will only tell to get a 1st class. Can everyone get a 1st class? They will not tell you how to deal with current job market. They will not encourage you to make a lot fact finding/research. As a result of this, the average Nigerian graduate is already screwed by the time they graduate.

What is the solution to this problem. Well, it's quite simple really. Ask yourself what value/skills you can to the table that will fetch you money in the long run. What value you may ask? Whether you are a graduate or not you need to have something that is marketable to people. A mechanic has a skill that is marketable to people. A painter has a skill/value that is marketable. Same thing with a plumber. The issue is how you "package" it. Even a footballer has value as they are a brand e.g. Cristiano & Messi. Basket ballers too (Lebron & Giannis) to even chess and dart players. As a professional graduate, what value to bring to the table either as an employee/self-employed. Lawyers who carve a "niche" career for themselves stand out compared to general practitioners. Doctors who specialize in a specific field of medicine stand out compared to general medical practitioners.

Even if you want to be self-employed, the message is still the same. How do you stand out from the competition? What are you doing that others are not? Look at Cosmas Maduka. He specializes exclusively on BMW. People know him as the "BMW" man. Michael Ibru was into importation of fish at a time when it was not seen as lucrative.

All this will not solve the unemployment crisis in the country. It is the role of the Government to provide a conducive environment for young people to thrive in and they have failed in that regard. Youths should look at this as a sign to reflect and help improve their condition as the Government clearly does not care about them.