Graduating from a Nigerian university is a big milestone, congratulations if you’re there or almost there.But let’s be real, the job market here can feel like a jungle. With youth unemployment hovering around 40% (according to recent National Bureau of Statistics reports), landing a role right out of school is not automatic. The good news? It can be done only if you play smart during your final years and right after NYSC (or even before).
I’ve chatted with fresh grads who bagged jobs at places like Deloitte, MTN, and startups in Lagos within weeks of throwing their caps. Below is a no-fluff guide, based on what actually works in Naija today:
Start Building Your Network Before You Graduate
Don’t wait until you’re holding your certificate. Nigerian jobs often come through “who you know,” not just what you know.
- Join professional bodies early: If you’re in engineering, sign up for the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) as a student member. Accounting? ICAN or ACCA student chapters. These give you access to events, mentors, and job leads.
- Take advantage of campus resources: Attend career fairs at UNILAG, OAU, or ABU. Schools like Covenant University have strong alumni networks, take advantage of them via LinkedIn or WhatsApp groups.
- Cold outreach: Slide into DMs of pros on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter). A simple “Saw your post on fintech in Nigeria; I’m a final year Comp Sci student at UNN. Any advice for breaking in?” can lead to coffee chats or referrals. So don’t be afraid to go into people’s DMs.
Pro tip: During IT (Industrial Training), don’t just fetch coffee, network with everyone from the HR manager to the intern. Many grads I know turned their SIWES placement into full-time offers.
Beef Up Your CV and Skills with Practical Experience:
A 2:1 degree is great, but employers want proof you can deliver. Focus on skills that scream “hire me now”.
Internships and volunteering: Aim for at least two solid internships. Platforms like Intern.ng, Jobberman, or even Nairaland threads list opportunities. You can also learn tech courses like Learn Python or UI/UX via free YouTube channels and build a portfolio on GitHub.
Certifications that pop: Google Career Certificates (free/subsidized), Cisco CCNA for IT folks, or Digital Marketing from HubSpot. They’re quick (3-6 months) and cost little compared to the ROI.
Freelance on the side: Use Upwork, Fiverr, or local gigs on Jiji. A friend who studied Mass Comm started writing for blogs during school and landed a content role at a Lagos agency post-grad.
Prepare and enrich your CV: One page, quantifiable wins (e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 50% during internship”). Use tools like Canva for a clean design.Nigerian recruiters skim, not read.3. Master the Job Hunt GamePost-grad, treat job hunting like a 9-5.Job boards and apps: Daily checks on LinkedIn, Jobberman, MyJobMag, and NGCareers. Set alerts for “entry-level” or “graduate trainee.”
Company Graduate Programs: Apply to schemes like GTBank’s, PwC’s, or Unilever’s Future Leaders Programme. Deadlines are often November – February. Mark your calendar!
NYSC as your launchpad: Post to high-demand states like Lagos or Abuja. Use your PPA (Place of Primary Assignment) to shine; many corps members get retained. Network at CDS (Community Development Service) events.
Real talk: Apply to 10-20 jobs weekly on employ.ng. Follow up politely after two weeks. Ghosting is common, so cast a wide net.4.
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Ace Interviews and Stand Out Interviews in Nigeria?
Prepare for the unexpected from aptitude tests to “Tell me about yourself” in pidgin.
Practice common questions: Use YouTube channels like “Nigerian Job Interview Tips” or books like “Knock ’em Dead.” Know the company inside out, read their annual report or recent news.
Soft skills matter: Punctuality (traffic excuse won’t fly), confidence, and cultural fit. Dress sharp: suit for banks, smart casual for tech.
Negotiate wisely: Entry-level pay starts at ₦100k-₦300k/month depending on sector/location. Ask about benefits like HMO or transport allowance.
Bonus: Build a personal brand. Post about your projects on LinkedIn or X. Recruiters stalk profiles—one grad got headhunted after a viral thread on sustainable agriculture (matching his Agro degree).
Mindset and Backup Plans Stay resilient, rejections are part of it. Track applications in a spreadsheet. If jobs are slow, consider entrepreneurship. Start small with skills like graphic design or tutoring. Grants from Tony Elumelu Foundation can help.
Further studies: A master’s or professional cert while job hunting (e.g., via NOUN for flexibility).
Relocate if needed: Opportunities abound in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt. Remote roles with international firms are rising too.
Finally, celebrate small wins. Securing a job immediately isn’t luck, it’s strategy. One UNILAG alum I know applied to 50 roles, networked relentlessly, and started at a Big 4 firm three months post NYSC. You can too. Graduate ready, not just qualified. Good luck to you if you hustle right, that first paycheck is closer than you think!
