“A first-class graduate…” — Peter Obi raises concerns over graduate unemployment in Nigeria

Peter Obi sparked debate after revealing that a first-class graduate he met in Abuja was working as a restaurant server, highlighting Nigeria’s growing graduate unemployment crisis.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has stirred conversations online after recounting an experience at a restaurant in Abuja, where the staff who served him reportedly held a first-class university degree.

Speaking during a recent public engagement, he expressed shock at the situation, using it to highlight the growing issue of unemployment and underemployment among graduates in Nigeria. He remarked, “I went to eat at a restaurant in Abuja, and the person who served me my food had a first class. What a country!”

His statement has reignited debates about the gap between academic excellence and job opportunities, especially in major cities like Abuja and Lagos. Many observers say it reflects a long-standing economic challenge where highly educated individuals struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications.

Reports over the years have shown that a significant number of graduates are either unemployed or working in roles below their level of training, raising concerns about the effectiveness of policies and the capacity of the private sector to absorb skilled labour.

The comment continues to trend across social media, with Nigerians discussing the value of education, job creation, and the urgent need for economic reforms to address the country’s rising graduate unemployment.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GISTREEL