Earning a degree from a university is a significant accomplishment, yet for numerous Nigerian graduates, it brings both thrill and apprehension. The external world beyond academics contrasts greatly, and society holds specific expectations for new graduates. Guardians, employers, and the graduates themselves possess aspirations and expectations that influence their path following education. Let’s explore in depth the expectations of Nigerian graduates today and the impact these have on their lives.
1. Find Employment Right Away
One of the initial expectations people have of a graduate is to obtain a solid job. Parents who have invested years in paying school fees think their children should begin earning right away. Society views a degree as a pathway to jobs, yet the truth is that Nigeria’s employment landscape is challenging. Numerous graduates experience difficulty for months, occasionally years, in securing a good job. Some find themselves pursuing entirely different careers from their studies merely to make ends meet.
2. Achieve Financial Independence
After you finish your studies, individuals anticipate that you will no longer rely on your parents for financial support. Regardless of whether you have secured a job, the expectation is that you must begin to support yourself. Some parents even assume you should start sending them money. This can be overwhelming, especially for graduates still trying to find their footing. The pressure pushes many into small businesses, online hustles, or even low-paying jobs just to make ends meet.
3. Get Married and Start a Family
In Nigeria, once you graduate, people start asking, “When will you marry?” or “Where is your husband/wife?” Society expects that the next step after getting a degree is settling down. This pressure is stronger for women, who are often reminded that “age is not on their side.” However, many graduates are not financially stable enough to think of marriage immediately. Some want to focus on their careers, while others are simply not ready. But in Nigerian culture, the pressure to settle down remains strong.
4. Be Successful Overnight
Social media has increased the expectation for instant success. Graduates see people their age driving expensive cars, travelling, and flaunting wealth online. Society assumes that once you have a degree, you should be successful almost immediately. This unrealistic expectation makes many feel like failures when things don’t work out fast. Some are even tempted to engage in fraudulent activities or shortcuts to meet society’s definition of success.
5. Speak Perfect English and Be “Exposed”
Many Nigerians believe that being a graduate means you must speak perfect English and be well-informed about everything. If a graduate makes a grammatical error, people quickly say, “And you went to university?” There is also an expectation that graduates should be confident, outspoken, and well-traveled. However, not every graduate fits this mould. Some struggle with communication, while others are still finding themselves. Unfortunately, society is often unforgiving.
6. Further Your Education Immediately
For many graduates, the first degree is just the beginning. Parents and mentors expect them to go for a master’s degree or professional certification immediately. While further education is great, not everyone can afford it. Some want to gain work experience first, while others are unsure of their career path. But in Nigeria, a master’s degree is often seen as a necessity, especially since some employers prefer postgraduate degrees.
7. Adapt to Any Job, Even If It’s Unrelated to Your Course
Because of the high unemployment rate, society expects graduates to take any job available. You studied Law, but a bank job is open? Take it. You studied Theatre Arts, but there’s a teaching job? Accept it. While being flexible is important, it can also be frustrating to end up in a field you have no passion for. But in Nigeria, the mindset is “Just get something doing.” This expectation forces many graduates to abandon their dreams and settle for anything that pays the bills.
8. Be an Entrepreneur
If you don’t have a job, people will ask, “Why don’t you start your own business?” Entrepreneurship is great, but not everyone is built for it. Some people prefer structured jobs, while others don’t have the capital to start a business. However, in today’s Nigeria, there is a strong push for graduates to be self-employed. Some venture into fashion, baking, tech, or content creation, but others struggle to find their niche.
9. Relocate Abroad for “Greener Pastures”
In recent years, the japa (relocation) trend has made travelling abroad an expectation. If you’re a graduate and struggling in Nigeria, people assume you should be planning to leave. “Why don’t you do your master’s abroad?” “Why not try Canada?” Although moving can present a beneficial opportunity, not everyone is eager to depart, and not everyone has the means to do so. However, in Nigeria today, remaining behind is frequently regarded as “squandering time.”
The demands on today’s graduates are significant, and not all can fulfil them right away. Although striving for success is significant, it’s perfectly fine to proceed gradually. The path taken after school varies for each individual, and there isn’t one definitive formula for achievement. Graduates need to concentrate on what benefits them, enhance their abilities, and avoid letting societal pressure lead them to frustration. Ultimately, life is a long-distance run, not a quick race.
