ABU Graduate Voices Concerns Over Employment Prospects Following Arabic Studies Degree
A recent graduate from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria has openly shared her apprehensions about finding suitable employment after completing her studies in Arabic Studies. The young lady, who identifies as @safiyyaaliyu86 on social media, detailed her academic journey and the challenges she faced during her time at the university.
Academic Journey Extended by External Factors
In her candid post, the graduate revealed that she earned a Second Class Honours (Lower Division) 2:2 in Arabic Studies, a program originally designed as a four-year course. However, her academic timeline was significantly prolonged due to frequent strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, what should have been a four-year endeavor stretched into six years, from 2019 to 2024.
Despite these setbacks, the graduate emphasized her dedication to her studies. She proudly mentioned that she completed her final year project entirely on her own, utilizing her personal laptop without any assistance from artificial intelligence tools. This achievement, she noted, was a point of personal pride and a testament to her hard work.
Passion for Arabic Studies Amidst Job Market Anxieties
The graduate expressed a deep affection for the Arabic language, stating that her choice of study was driven by genuine love rather than pragmatic career considerations. She remarked, "I studied Arabic because I genuinely love the language, so to me, this was my biggest achievement and worth celebrating." However, this passion is now tempered by practical concerns about her future in the job market.
Her primary worry revolves around whether her degree and CGPA will be sufficient to secure a decent job. She openly questioned her prospects, writing, "I'm not sure if I will be able to get a decent job with this degree." This sentiment reflects a common anxiety among many Nigerian graduates who face a competitive employment landscape where academic grades often play a crucial role in hiring decisions.
Social Media Reactions Offer Support and Advice
The graduate's post sparked a lively discussion on social media, with numerous users offering words of encouragement and practical suggestions. Many highlighted that academic success is not the sole determinant of career achievement.
- One user, @astroIfea, emphasized the importance of perseverance, noting that "the most important thing that is more important than 1st class is finishing... some started but didn't finish."
- Another, @_fuuaad, suggested potential career paths such as working at an embassy or the Hajj Commission, while advising starting with teaching roles to gain experience.
- @Deejat_Crypto pointed out opportunities in remote jobs like transcribing, leveraging her language skills.
- @koshie_aliu offered a broader perspective, stating, "A first class degree doesn’t make you a game changer... the real world rewards value, execution, and resilience."
- @Cooolibrihub shared personal experience, recommending teaching Arabic or writing children's books in the language as viable income sources.
Broader Context of Graduate Employment Challenges in Nigeria
This incident sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by Nigerian university graduates as they transition into the workforce. Issues such as prolonged academic timelines due to ASUU strikes and the pandemic have compounded the difficulties for many students. The graduate's story resonates with a larger narrative where passion for a field of study often clashes with the realities of economic survival and job market demands.
Her experience also underscores the value of resilience and self-reliance, as demonstrated by her independent completion of her final project. While the future may seem uncertain, the support from the online community suggests that alternative pathways and opportunities exist beyond traditional employment routes.
