The Institute for Humanitarian and Disaster Management in Katsina has expressed concern over the growing unemployment rate among NYSC graduates.
Registrar of the Institute, Ephraim Aiyada, raised the alarm while addressing newly sworn-in corps members at the Katsina NYSC orientation camp.
He noted that many fresh graduates continue to struggle with job searches, often submitting applications that never receive responses.
According to him, the major barriers facing young applicants are not poor grades but the increasing demand for work experience and professional skills.
“Many applicants fail not because they lack degrees, but because they lack years of work experience or professional qualifications. Employers often decide the fate of an application within 30 seconds,” he said. “If your document shows no experience or relevant certifications, no employer will invite you.”
Aiyada explained that professional skills can partly substitute for work experience, giving applicants an advantage in competitive job markets. He recalled a 2018 incident where a first-class graduate lost a job to a second-class applicant who had multiple professional certifications.
“This is why many graduates remain unemployed despite repeated applications. Your degree alone cannot carry you. Professional training helps fill the gap,” he added.
He commended the NYSC for introducing skill-development initiatives such as SAED and partnering with professional bodies to expand access to training and certification for corps members.
The institute acknowledged their commitment to discipline, mentorship and improving the overall welfare of corps members.