The Minority Whip of the Senate, Sen. Osita Ngwu on Friday lamented that the number of graduates produced each year by various universities exceeds the jobs created annually, resulting in a significant mismatch between the supply of graduates and the demand for labour.
Senator Ngwu also raised the alarm on the rising rate of unemployment in the country, calling on the federal government, state governments, and the private sector to take bold and decisive action to stem the tide.
Ngwu, in a statement made available to journalists said he was compelled to sound the alarm because the situation is dire, hence it’s imperative that immediate action is taken to mitigate the effects and build a brighter future for all Nigerians.
Commending President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives to remodel Nigeria’s economy, with a focus on job creation, food security, and poverty alleviation, he noted that a declaration of a state of emergency on unemployment will fast-track these initiatives, which are crucial in addressing the alarming unemployment rate in Nigeria.
Ngwu, therefore, disclosed that he will present a motion on the floor of the Senate calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the unemployment rate in the country, assuring of the parliament’s support to the government in finding solutions to the crisis.
The Minority Whip said, “Unemployment in Nigeria has been one of the unfinished businesses of government since the second republic. Nigeria’s universities and polytechnics produce a staggering number of graduates each year.
“According to available data, these institutions admit around 2 million students and release approximately 600,000 graduates annually. This number has been consistent over the past decade, with around 134 recognised polytechnics and 174 universities in Nigeria contributing to this total.
“The stark reality is that this number far exceeds the jobs created annually, resulting in a significant mismatch between the supply of graduates and the demand for labor. This has led to a glut in unemployment amongst our youths.
“However, I am heartened by President Tinubu’s initiatives to remodel Nigeria’s economy, with a focus on job creation, food security, and poverty alleviation.
“The declaration of a state of emergency on unemployment will fast-track these initiatives, which are crucial in addressing the alarming unemployment rate in Nigeria.
“I firmly believe that this move will accelerate the creation of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce poverty. To those who are already employed, I urge them to protect their jobs by being resourceful and dedicated to their work.” (leadership)
written by KINGSLEY BENNETH