“₦50,000 after four years in university is the reality in Akure”
Growing frustration is mounting among young people in Akure, Ondo State, over worsening unemployment and what many describe as the government’s failure to create an enabling environment for economic survival.
The debate was reignited after a viral social media video highlighted the plight of young women allegedly chased by security operatives over suspected nighttime activities.
The video has since sparked a wider conversation about job scarcity, low wages and economic hardship in the state capital.
One content creator, Adenla Ade Nla, who reacted strongly to the situation, described the economic reality facing graduates in Akure as “discouraging and dangerous.”
“Go and find a job with your degree in Akure and they will offer you ₦50,000 after four years in university — sometimes after additional years lost to strike. That is the reality,” he said.
Limited Jobs, Rising Cost of Living
According to him, the problem goes beyond morality debates and touches on survival.
He noted that while rents in parts of Akure range from ₦600,000 and above annually, available jobs in hotels, lounges, restaurants and filling stations allegedly offer between ₦25,000 and ₦50,000 monthly — wages he says are grossly inadequate.
“Akure youths are not lazy,” he insisted. “Go to Oja Oba or Alagbaka in the afternoon and see young boys and girls hustling. They are working. The problem is not laziness. The problem is lack of opportunities.”
Skills Without Market
The social commentator further argued that even youths who acquire vocational skills struggle because the broader economy is weak.
“You say learn fashion designing — fine. But who will patronise you? For your business to thrive, you need customers who have stable income. If there are no companies employing people, who will pay for your services?” he asked.
He explained that in more industrialised cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, the presence of large companies fuels smaller businesses — from laundry services and hairdressers to lesson teachers and nail technicians.
“When big companies come, they employ people. Those workers then need salons, laundry services, home lesson teachers. That’s how an economy works. But what has been done to attract such companies to Akure?” he queried.
“Environment Not Enabling”
The commentator acknowledged that many young women in Akure are skilled in makeup artistry, lash extensions, and other beauty services during the day, but struggle to earn enough to survive.
“Those girls doing nail tech and makeup — the money you pay to learn is what they use to survive. The jobs are lucrative elsewhere, but the environment here is not enabling,” he said.
He contrasted Akure with other Nigerian cities where, despite the presence of nightlife and controversial activities, structured employment opportunities still exist.
“Every state has nightlife. Even Abuja and Lagos. But in those places, you will still find decent jobs. How many decent jobs are available here?” he asked.
Direct Criticism of Leadership
The viral commentary also took aim at political leaders from Ondo State occupying prominent positions nationally, questioning their impact on local youth development.
“Charity begins at home,” he said. “What has been done to ensure Akure youths are busy, engaged and earning legitimately?”
He specifically questioned what policies have been implemented to address youth unemployment in Ondo State, asking:
“What has the governor done to make sure young people stay occupied and earn sustainable income? Is the state not receiving allocation?”
He also challenged federal representatives from the state to prioritise youth empowerment initiatives locally.
Growing Call for Accountability
The unfolding debate reflects deeper anxiety among young residents who fear continued economic stagnation could worsen social challenges, including crime and migration.
Stakeholders say beyond political exchanges, what is urgently needed is:
Attraction of private investment
Creation of structured employment
Support for small businesses
Youth-focused economic policies
As one youth advocate put it:
“If the right questions are not asked now and leaders are not held accountable, Akure youths may continue to struggle without hope.”
The controversy continues to trend online, amplifying calls for urgent economic reforms to reposition Ondo State as a hub of opportunity rather than a city of frustration.
