Cardinal John Onaiyekan has raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening unemployment crisis, saying many young graduates are unable to consider marriage or plan their future because they cannot find jobs despite earning university degrees.
The Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja made the remarks while speaking on the country’s economic situation following the recent meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Onaiyekan said the success of any government should be measured by the wellbeing of ordinary Nigerians rather than economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or reports from international institutions.
“If we admit that the role of government is the welfare of citizens, then it means we are not going to judge the success of our government on the basis of the statistics from GDP, from the World Bank, or whatever. The important thing is, what, how is the life of the Nigerian?” he said.
The Catholic cleric described youth unemployment as one of the country’s most pressing challenges, noting that many university graduates remain jobless years after completing their education.
He said the situation has made it difficult for many young Nigerians to think about marriage, starting families or making long-term plans for their lives.
“The terrible thing now is many of our young people that have struggled to finish university are all going around with their degrees. They are unable to get a job. Therefore, they can’t even think of marriage. They can’t think of starting a family. They can’t think of planning their life. That is terrible,” Onaiyekan said.
He warned that growing frustration among unemployed youths could have serious consequences if urgent measures are not taken to improve their living conditions.
Onaiyekan urged the government to show stronger political will by governing with honesty, fairness and justice.
“The only thing it takes is a political will to do the right thing, to be honest in how government is run, to be just to everybody, to be fair in this,” he added.
