A shocking incident of a university graduate who attempted to take his own life over his withheld results has sparked outrage and concern in Nigeria. The graduate, identified as Segun, reportedly drank a poisonous substance after he could not access his results from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
According to a viral video posted on Twitter by his friend, Ronke, Segun had been frustrated by the university’s refusal to release his results for over two years despite completing his studies and paying all the required fees. Ronke said that Segun had been depressed and hopeless and that he had tried to kill himself several times before.
She appealed to the public to help her friend get justice and his results from the university, which she accused of negligence and corruption. She also called on the government and relevant authorities to intervene and address the issue of graduate unemployment and poor quality of education in Nigeria.
The video has since generated thousands of reactions from Nigerians who expressed sympathy, anger, and dismay at the plight of Segun and other graduates who face similar challenges. Many blamed the university for its inefficiency and lack of accountability, while others criticized the government for failing to provide adequate funding and support for the education sector.
Some also shared their experiences of graduating from Nigerian universities and struggling to find jobs or further their studies. They lamented the lack of opportunities and incentives for young people in the country. They urged the government to create more policies and programs to enhance graduates’ employability and productivity.
The issue of graduate unemployment and underemployment is a serious problem in Nigeria, which has the most active fintech scene in Africa but also one of the highest rates of poverty. According to a report by the World Bank, the unemployment rate for university graduates may be around 25 percent, and their prospects for employment have worsened over time.
In addition, the quality of education in Nigerian universities has been declining due to inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, frequent strikes, outdated curricula, and low academic standards. As a result, many graduates are poorly prepared for the labor market and lack the skills and competencies that employers demand.
The government has been urged to invest more in education and skills development for the local talent pool and collaborate with the private sector and other stakeholders to improve the quality and relevance of education. Some initiatives have been launched to address these challenges, such as the Nigeria University System Innovation Project, which aims to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship among university students and graduates.
Segun’s suicide attempt is a wake-up call for Nigeria to take action and prevent more tragedies from happening. His friend Ronke said that he is currently receiving treatment at a hospital and that he is hopeful that he will get his results soon. She thanked everyone who supported him and prayed for his recovery.
Source: Punch
