At a convocation ceremony at Babcock University, the governor of the Central bank of Nigeria Professor chukwuma Soludo submitted that 70% of Nigerian graduates are simply unemployable. Though it really looks like a fallacy of hasty generalization, a critical analysis of the current market dynamics compares with the education curriculum will reveal the truth of these statements.

In a Nigerian market that is aspiring for Global competitiveness, only the most skilled, current and up-to-date employees are needed and not some fresh, out-of-date and archaic graduate… Most banks and corporations spend the better part of a fresh graduates’ first year in employment trying to re-train them to bring them to be at par with the current economic trend. But then, these corporations will rather look for finished “products” coming fresh from outside the country.

There are just basic steps needed by young graduates who want to go into employment to beef up their employability and competence, even while in school.

Read wide

It was a funny sight to see a second class graduate from the university say ‘eh?’ when asked the three major contenders for the US presidency. It is now more essential to read wide and stay abreast of current events in the world especially in the areas of one’s interest, reading newspapers and magazines especially educative and empowering ones which will boost competence and proficiency. Beyond entertaining and exiting magazines with their collage of pictures and true life stories, read and discuss current events that will shape the economy and polity.

Even if you can’t buy, do like the BBHS, Abeokuta, buy, borrow, hire or S-. It is even more educative to join the ‘readers club’ at newsstands- I once did that! U just can’t imagine what this will do to you.

Learn a skill

Chances are that if a company is assessing about 20 potential employees with the same qualification they will go for the one with the most relevant and proficient skills relating to the job. Certain skills, most especially as relating to the internet and computing technology will be looked at. If you can’t use the system toady then you can’t be reading this, but it goes beyond browsing and checking mails. Depending on whether you want to manage your business or get employed. You could also learn other skill that a lot of ladies are smiling to the bank with; events decoration, make-up, tailoring, hair making etc. these skills boost your confidence and establishes you as a manager in your own field.

This would even be better if you were starting your own business.

Get certified.

I once came across an accounting magazine where one of their readers wrote-in and complained about the infiltration of the accounting profession by people from other occupation fields. For him the height of it was a graduate of mechanical engineering, who is also a chartered member of ICAN was the one called to introduce the accounting profession aspiring accountants at a workshop. What gave him the edge was just the certification.

I once knew a guy who, by the time he was graduating was a member of ICAN, CBN and CIIN before bagging a B.sc!!! Many undergrads do not know that one could actually start with a Sec. School Certificate. He started with his SSCE, once certified in ICAN, he took exemptions, and wrote single exams to become chartered in the remaining fields.

Most organizations would rather trust your certification than your B.sc which for some institutions is now “cash and carry”.

Attend Workshops And Seminars.

This one really for undergraduates and graduates alike looks like a waste of time and money. Though most of them are free or will charge a reasonable fee, they go a long way in filling the gaps in your educational curriculum. These beyond the education, will give you a snapshot info the current trend and direction of the market. It will also help you locate where to accurately position yourself for the next revolution. I once attended a seminar that in one week generated 320% of my investment, how about that?

Get a Masters Degree

In an era where everyone brandishes a 1st class-2nd class degree, you need something extra. You could actually go for masters degree-MBAS, M.SCS, MMPS are categories a lot of Nigerians are adding to their feathers. Another trend which I particularly fancy is online master’s degree, where you can actually work in Nigeria and be a student in another country; such institutions are in the US, UK, Sweden, Ukraine and Turkey. In a recent analysis by a journalist of UBA’s to management board only about 20% of than had all their degrees in Nigeria does that mean something?

I should in the next few hours post and interview with the man behind poetsolvers.com and dipotepede.com, he is Dipo tepede.

I believe this will encourage some graduate and undergraduates alike. All the best!!