A young Nigerian woman, a university graduate, has sparked widespread discussion online after publicly expressing her distress over working as a Point of Sale (POS) operator to earn a living.
Graduate's Emotional TikTok Plea
In a heartfelt TikTok video posted recently, the graduate filmed herself looking visibly sad and dejected at her POS business spot. She revealed that her emotional outburst was triggered by a comment from someone who reminded her that she is a graduate yet engages in what they termed "ordinary POS business."
The lady, whose video was shared on December 16, 2025, questioned what the person expected her to do, emphasizing that she loves business and the POS venture is the only one currently within her reach. Overlaid text on the video poignantly captured her feelings: "Another day someone reminded me I am a graduate yet doing ordinary POS business. What should I rather be doing, I asked again?"
She expressed deep frustration with her predicament, stating she feels she doesn't deserve her current situation. "I love business and this is the only one I can start for now. I don't deserve this at all," she lamented. Her ultimate desire, she shared, is simply to work hard and change her life story, but the experience has left her feeling like giving up.
Nigerians React: Support and Reality Checks
The graduate's video, compiled by Legit.ng journalist Victor Duru, triggered a flood of reactions from Nigerians online, highlighting the complex realities of the job market.
Many commentators defended the dignity and profitability of the POS business. One user, Agent Victor, challenged the notion that the work is "common," stating: "This same business gives me 15-20k daily? how is it common? how many graduate or master degree holders make such amount?"
Another user shared a personal success story: "Am doing pos too but I have bought so many things for my family, my mother is a widow but we don't lack, money is in pos business." This sentiment was echoed by others who argued that entrepreneurship often trumps formal employment in today's economy.
The discussion also veered into critiques of the education system. A user named Udor Ego na Asia commented, "Education is not a scam but nigeria education is a scam bcos after everything no good work without big connection." Similarly, Zee_W noted, "Education is no longer a guarantee that you’re going to succeed. Welcome to 2025."
Many offered words of encouragement, urging the graduate to ignore societal stigma. CHRISTIAN GIRL wrote: "Sis don’t ever let what people say gt to you, this are dsame people if u go broke dey won’t even render any help……in my workplace majority of the POS operators are graduates and are making it big."
A Broader Trend of Graduate Entrepreneurship
This incident is not isolated. The report connects the lady's story to a broader trend where many educated Nigerians are turning to informal sectors and entrepreneurship due to a scarcity of formal jobs.
Legit.ng had previously reported on a man who lamented seeing numerous graduates engaged in POS businesses. In another related story, a first-class honours graduate from a five-year course was reported to be making a living as a shoe vendor, proudly showcasing her academic certificate alongside her entrepreneurial venture.
These stories collectively paint a picture of the resilient yet challenging landscape for Nigerian youths, where academic qualifications do not always translate to traditional white-collar jobs, forcing a redefinition of success and dignity in work.
The graduate's viral moment serves as a stark reminder of the unemployment and underemployment crisis, while also celebrating the hustle and determination of young Nigerians to create opportunities for themselves against all odds.
