NYSC Graduates Face Mounting Unemployment Crisis, Katsina Institute Warns

The Institute for Humanitarian and Disaster Management in Katsina has raised alarm over the worsening unemployment situation among National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) graduates.

Ephraim Aiyada, Registrar of the institute, spoke during an orientation program for newly sworn-in corps members, highlighting the challenges graduates face in securing employment despite holding degrees.

“Many applicants fail not because they lack degrees, but because they lack years of work experience or professional qualifications. Employers often decide the fate of an application within 30 seconds,” Aiyada explained. “If your documents show no experience or relevant certifications, no employer will invite you.”

Aiyada emphasized that professional skills and certifications can partly offset the absence of work experience. He cited a 2018 case where a first-class graduate lost a job to a second-class candidate who possessed multiple professional certifications.

“This is why many graduates remain unemployed despite repeated applications. Your degree alone cannot carry you. Professional training helps fill the gap,” he added.

The institute praised the NYSC for initiatives such as the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, as well as partnerships with professional bodies to equip corps members with practical skills and certifications.

Aiyada concluded by reaffirming the institute’s commitment to discipline, mentorship, and the overall welfare of NYSC participants, urging graduates to combine formal education with professional skill development to thrive in Nigeria’s competitive job market.