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Why Nigerian Youth Must Embrace Vocational Skills
By Halimah Abdulrahman Seriki
Youth unemployment in Nigeria is no longer a distant statistic; it is a daily reality confronting almost every graduate. With thousands of students finishing university each year and very few corporate jobs available, relying solely on a degree has become a risky path. Today’s economic climate demands that young Nigerians look beyond the classroom and embrace vocational skills as part of their survival strategy.
My own awakening to this truth began during my undergraduate days. One night, during a Mass Communication class, the conversation unexpectedly shifted to the different trades people had learnt. Some classmates spoke about fashion designing, sharing stories about difficult customers and strict bosses. Others talked about baking, catering or hairdressing. As I listened, I felt a quiet sadness. Apart from my academic education, I did not have a vocational skill I could confidently say I had mastered.
I began thinking about the seven years I had spent attending Arabic school alongside my regular education. I wondered what would have happened if I had used some of those years to learn a trade. Perhaps by now, I would have developed a skill that could help me become my own boss. That moment taught me an invaluable lesson: education is important, but vocational skills provide an extra shield in life.
During the holiday, I shared my concerns with my mother. I told her I wanted to learn event planning, but the training centres were far from our area, and my parents were worried about the security risks of travelling long distances. She encouraged me not to worry and suggested that I could use my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year to close that gap.
When I eventually went for NYSC, I still had event planning in mind. But again, I could not find a suitable training opportunity nearby. Instead of abandoning the idea completely, I looked for other creative areas connected to the event industry. I searched online and discovered confectionery and baking. What started as a simple alternative soon became something I genuinely loved.
I spent about a year learning and developing my baking skills, improving myself through online resources and government-supported programmes. The more I learnt, the more I realised I had not just acquired a technical skill—I had discovered a passion that could become a sustainable business.
This experience taught me why young people must remain open-minded. A vocational skill does not have to replace your chosen profession; it can complement it beautifully. A Mass Communication graduate can bake. A lawyer can run a catering business. A teacher can learn fashion designing. Academic qualifications and vocational skills do not have to compete—they can work together to provide financial stability.
Catering also taught me the importance of starting small. You do not need a big shop or a large customer base before you begin. What matters is developing your craft, paying attention to quality and being willing to learn from feedback. Even something as simple as giving people your chin chin to taste and asking for honest ratings can teach you a lot.
Fortunately, modern technology has made it easier for small businesses to grow. Through social media, a young baker can display products, communicate with customers and reach people far beyond their immediate circle. But online visibility alone is not enough. Good products, consistency, customer relationships and a willingness to improve are what turn digital attention into real patronage.
Of course, catering comes with challenges. Competition is increasing. The cost of ingredients is rising. Patronage may not always be consistent. These realities should not discourage young people—they should motivate them to treat their skills seriously as both a craft and a business.
My advice to young Nigerians facing today’s tough economy is simple:learn something. If your first choice is not available, find a viable alternative. Use online resources, internships, fellowships, community programmes and government opportunities. Most importantly, do not despise small beginnings.
I still have an interest in event planning, but my journey took an unexpected turn and introduced me to baking. Today, I can say I have developed an undying love for catering—not just because I enjoy baking, but because it reminds me that an unexpected path can still lead to something valuable. Sometimes, we may not find the exact opportunity we imagined, but that should never stop us from looking for another door.
For me, that door opened right in the kitchen.
Halimah Abdulrahman Seriki is a PRNigeria Fellow
