Sir: The expectation of any graduate after school is to secure a well-paying job after the conclusion of his studies but the reality in Nigeria labour sector has proven otherwise as there is no meaningful job anywhere after the mandatory National Youth Services Corps (NYSC) programme. But back in the early 70s, the exercise differed as fresh university and polytechnic graduates, even graduates of teachers colleges, had jobs waiting for them ranging from clerical to professional jobs based on their areas of specialisation.
 
Despite the fact that the country had all this kind of system of government before then, what changed the fate of the Nigeria graduate and how does it link up to the present issues and challenges faced by the government, especially in the area of insecurity?
 
Unemployment is a situation whereby persons capable and willing to work are unable to find suitable paid employment. Unemployment is one of the major problems in Nigeria because it has caused so many issues like insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and other related acts.

The system of the country has broken down; as there is no sector that is well-performing that can absorb or reduce the rate of unemployment and this results in a high level of poverty which makes so many youths engage in criminal activities.
 
There are other causative factors for the high unemployment rate in Nigeria, which has been posing a big threat to the huge population. One of these is corruption, another challenge, as favouritism and nepotism became key requirements for job placement and replacement in both the private and public sectors. Today jobs are not being given based on merit and these have denied well qualified Nigerians the opportunity to be employed in any sector in the country.

 
However, here is a saying that every disease has its own cure; likewise, every problem has its own solution. Fortunately, this unemployment situation in Nigeria is not without a solution, one of which is that the government should put more effort into fighting corruption at all levels, both in the private and public sector. 
 
Also, there is a need to diversify the economy from the oil sector to give more priority to other means of generating income as this will reduce the rate of unemployment like so many youths will benefit from the exercise. Local entrepreneurs should also be given consideration; while the government should create an enabling environment for small and medium scale enterprise (SMEs), to survive and grow.
 
The solution to be the current issues cannot be only on government as media have their own role to play since they serve as the fourth estate of the realm. The media can help in informing and educating people about how to generate new jobs.
  
Ahmad Sani is of the Department of Mass Communication, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi State.