By Chinedu Adonu
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has expressed deep concern over the rising number of young graduates roaming the streets without opportunities, warning that Nigeria risks wasting the talents of millions if urgent measures are not taken.
The outspoken clergy raised the alarm during the 13th Convocation Ceremony of Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu, adding that he was deeply troubled by the growing number of graduates roaming the streets in search of opportunities that do not exist.
“It pains me as a bishop to see scores of young, talented and dynamic graduates roaming aimlessly on the streets. Every day, they come to me with their CVs, looking for what to do with the knowledge they struggled so hard to acquire in the university,” he lamented.
He shared personal observations from his years in Jos and Abuja, noting an increasing volume of CVs from desperate youths seeking employment, with some believing that influential connections can secure them jobs.
Kaigama emphasized that job creation is the responsibility of government and the private sector, not the Church or clergy, and he criticized misconceptions that religious figures can easily influence employment opportunities.
The Archbishop also warned that the unemployment crisis threatens Nigeria’s stability, as frustrated youths are vulnerable to crime, drugs, and mental health issues.
He called on graduates to uphold their values and use their education for societal progress.
“Many think that because the Senate President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation are Catholics, I can make one phone call and employment will fall into place. If it were that easy, I would do it. But the system simply does not give maximum attention to our dynamic and energetic youths,” he said.
Kaigama praised initiatives by Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, particularly the development of smart schools and a high-tech security center, as models for national progress that could help engage young people meaningfully.
“The Governor’s plan to build 260 technologically advanced Smart Green Schools and the new high-tech security Command and Control Centre are significant steps. If more states adopt multidimensional initiatives like these, our youths will be meaningfully engaged,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Christian Anieke, announced that 660 students graduated, including 22 First Class graduates, with the overall best student attaining a CGPA of 4.96.
Prof Anieke highlighted the university’s rapid growth, including its expanding medical college, fully functional teaching hospital, Africa-leading DNA Learning Centre, and increasing global footprint of alumni.
“From 215 students at inception, we now have over 5,000 students across 87 accredited programmes,” he said.
