We all wore our
colourful convocation gowns, headed to the hall for convocation lecture and all
the stuff they supposedly do on such occasions. After all the formalities we
step out of the hall in style and a sense of fulfillment as the freshest
graduates in town [4 years no be beans jor]
to the admiration of family and friends who can’t wait to share in the joy. ‘Congrats
oh, we thank God, it is finally over, the four years paid off [that one na private school parole oh]. Just then,
cameras start to flash as grandaunts pose for pictures with family, friends and
well-wishers [some people bring their kinsmen and masquerades even]
In a country like
Nigeria, you really should be crying on your convocation day. Yes! NYSC is just
a way of sugar coating your recent unemployed status, [I dey tell you]. I was one of the lucky ones that served in a private
firm in Lagos and was paid well [25k oh LOL]. I respect those who served in
villages, even towns of less developed states in the country, where they get
paid two thousand naira a month. Still can’t believe people are expected to
live on 2k for 30days [sad]. The so called ‘accommodation’ they provide is
nothing to write home about. Well, food might be cheap but then, na suffer be that oh [Now Your Suffering
Continues]
Anyway that’s by the
way… let me share some secrets no one told me when I was still in school. If I
knew all these things I’m about to share with you back then, I’m quite certain
I would be better off than where I am today. No point crying over spilt milk so
I refuse to be bothered. [Smiles]
1.
I.T/
SIWES: is very important. It may not be a part of your
curriculum quite alright (like it was not part of mine) as long as the school
will give you the letter when you ask, do it! That is how you begin to gather
work experience.
2.
DO
VOLUNTEER JOBS: do not expect to get paid for this.
Some companies/ organizations might pay but it will be chicken change. That is
not why we are here though. The koko
be say, you dey work dey establish connections/relations with
potential employers. That’s what the White man calls ‘Networking’. This also
applies to I.T/SIWES. If you do your work well, don’t you think they will call
you to come and work with them later or do you think they’ll trash your CV when
you drop it with them after graduation? Of course they will consider you since
you have not just work experience but with them.
3.
LEARN
A TRADE: do not look at it like ‘ahn ahn! How will I be an
apprentice when I’m an undergraduate, I’m educated gbo gbo eh…’ You go tire oh! By the time you
graduate and start walking up and down the streets submitting CV’s and your
shoes starts to get thirsty and hungry, you go sabi say to go school no mean say work full ground just like that.
At least the first few months after graduation, if work no click omo you start a business which brings us
to the next point.
4.
START
A BUSINESS: “…do not despise the days of little beginning…” it
might be to sell water, airtime, provision, etc. in the hostel. Just do something.
Learn to be an entrepreneur. Put your skills to use. Ehen if you know how to make hair sef, it’s good. We girls love to look good. Make us look good, and
make plenty money. Abi no be so?
I don tire jare. I am saying this out of experience.
I am done with school and no work. Na
now I start to dey learn trade. Well,
nothing spoil. I can’t begin to dwell in the ‘had I known’ era. I go just tey for ground.
Do not misunderstand me
oh. There are jobs in Nigeria but na
who you sabi movement we dey so. And who you sabi must sabi another
person. So all this merry go round waka
dey tire person. I actually do
believe that if you at least do 2 or 3 of the points I mentioned, you will be
better off than your peers.
May God help us all.
AMEN!
Chinenye Nwuba
@Blacqie_
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