A Nigerian man who successfully passed a job interview and received an employment letter has shared how the company later withdrew the offer because the general manager did not like his name. The incident, which he described on social media, has sparked widespread reactions and discussions about discrimination in the workplace.
Job Seeker Shares His Experience
The man, who uses the handle @az_obi on X (formerly Twitter), explained that he applied for the job after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. He passed the interview and was subsequently sent an employment letter. The company instructed him to resume the following week, and he prepared by buying new clothes and shoes. However, on the Friday before his resumption, he received a call that changed everything.
According to his post, the company apologised and informed him that they could no longer proceed with his employment. When he asked for the reason, he was told that the general manager did not like his name. He expressed devastation at the news, noting that he had been looking forward to starting the job.
Online Reactions to the Story
The story quickly went viral, with many users sharing their thoughts. Some expressed sympathy, while others offered alternative perspectives. User @crypts78555 commented: "That one no be spiritual matter, na just bad professionalism. Still, glad say you bounce back—better things dey always come." Another user, @KayodeWellness, suggested a spiritual dimension: "It's a spiritual world whether you believe it or not; there are things beyond scientific description. You can't just explain it."
@JahBlesssaint21 offered encouragement: "I’m glad you didn’t let it break you. Sometimes rejection doesn’t mean you’re not qualified, it just means you’re being redirected to something better. God’s timing always makes more sense later." Meanwhile, @MinimalOnline22 shared a personal story: "This is very relatable cos I once lose a job cos the MD/Ceo feels I have a very strong face and I later met a cleric that told me she wasn’t seeing my face but that of something/someone else. Alhamdulilai for where we are today. Life is truly spiritual!"
Some users pointed to ethnic discrimination. @Nedumooree wrote: "Maybe they are the kind of people who dislike certain tribes. Once they see your name, they already assume they know where you're from. That's one of the major problems we have in Nigeria today." Others questioned the general manager's actions: @Afebu3 noted: "I be wan laugh but I remembered it wasn't funny to you at all then. Didn't the GM see your name all along? It's well o. I believe you have overcome that phase now. Blessings."
@GROOTPlanetX emphasised spiritual forces: "Forget all these God this God that. Youre absolutely right 'life is highly spiritual' Most times it got nothing to do with God. I have seen things and know that there are custodians, principalities and generational patterns with monitoring spirits assigned to each child born." Finally, @akinsjobs advised legal action: "If you had evidence of the discrimination, you could have sought legal counsel. There are people praying for such opportunities."
Broader Context of Job Discrimination
This incident is not isolated. Many Nigerians have reported facing discrimination based on their names, tribe, or religion during job searches. Experts suggest that employers should focus on qualifications and skills rather than personal biases. Legal avenues exist for victims of discrimination, but many cases go unreported due to lack of evidence or fear of reprisal.
In a related story, Legit.ng reported on a Nigerian man who shared strategies that helped him succeed in a group interview with oil company Shell. He emphasised the importance of teamwork, participation, and professional behaviour. Another recent article covered a Nigerian man in the United States who quit his care job on the first day because he could not handle the demands.
The story of @az_obi serves as a reminder of the challenges job seekers face and the resilience required to overcome rejection. As one user put it, rejection often redirects individuals to better opportunities.
