Nigerian Graduate with Two Degrees Sells Okpa for a Living, Gains Online Praise
A young Nigerian lady, who holds two academic certificates, has captured widespread attention on social media by proudly showcasing her business of selling okpa, a traditional Nigerian bean pudding. In a series of viral TikTok videos, she revealed that she graduated with both a National Certificate in Education (NCE) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree, yet has turned to hawking food on a wheelbarrow to make ends meet.
Graduate's Business Journey on Social Media
The lady, identified as @xtomarvel20 on TikTok, posted videos of herself wheeling a barrow loaded with okpa through the streets, actively seeking customers. In one clip, she wrote, "Graduate with 2 certificates, NCE and B.Ed, proudly selling okpa for a living." This candid display of her post-graduation livelihood has resonated deeply with many Nigerians, sparking a flurry of reactions online.
Her story highlights the challenges faced by graduates in Nigeria's tough job market, where formal employment opportunities are often scarce. Despite her educational achievements, she has embraced entrepreneurship, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to work hard to sustain herself.
Public Reactions and Comments
The videos have garnered massive engagement, with numerous users taking to the comments section to express their views. Many praised her determination and entrepreneurial spirit, while others debated broader societal issues.
- Ella’s Sparkling Fingers commented, "I showed your video to an undergraduate who is saying she is shy to sell in the street. I told her, come let me show you a graduate."
- Desmond noted, "It's the situation of the country that’s why. Don't give up; keep doing it. One day, the Lord will uplift you from this."
- GracefulGee advised, "Please stop cooking with plastic bags. The chemicals in the plastic seep into the food and cause cancer. It's better to use leaves."
- OGA BRIGHT remarked, "Congratulations, you are running an industry. Some are shamefully confused and blaming the government for not providing jobs."
- Francess Shuga added, "That's why you're a graduate. You're doing it in a grand style that makes okpa so worth eating."
Some comments also raised questions about the authenticity of her graduation, with UNKNOWN stating, "You all just shout 'graduate.' Are you sure she attended classes? Maybe she used 'graduate' in a way you don't understand." However, the overall sentiment leaned towards admiration for her hard work and practical approach to earning a living.
Broader Context of Graduate Entrepreneurship in Nigeria
This incident is not isolated, as it reflects a growing trend among Nigerian graduates who are turning to informal sectors for survival. In a similar story, a lady who graduated from Lagos State University now sells zobo, a local hibiscus drink, after spending five years in school. She expressed that if she had known the job market would be so challenging, she might not have stayed in school for so long.
Additionally, a young man with a first-class degree from Covenant University has chosen to sell phone accessories at Alaba International Market in Lagos, rather than pursuing a traditional office job. These cases underscore the economic pressures and limited opportunities that drive many educated Nigerians towards entrepreneurship, often in non-conventional fields.
The viral nature of @xtomarvel20's videos has sparked discussions about:
- The value of education in a struggling economy.
- The importance of self-reliance and innovation among youth.
- Societal attitudes towards menial jobs and graduate employment.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with high unemployment rates, stories like this serve as both inspiration and a call to action for policymakers to create more supportive environments for young entrepreneurs. The lady's determination to succeed, despite her academic credentials, has made her a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
