Nigeria: Ghanaian President - Govts Must Not Shift Unemployment Burden to Graduates

What the report says

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama used the maiden convocation of the University of Offa in Kwara State, Nigeria, to argue that governments in Nigeria and across Africa should not place the burden of unemployment on new graduates. Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, Mahama said public authorities must create conditions that allow businesses to grow, including stable institutions, better infrastructure and education that matches economic needs.

According to Daily Trust, Mahama told the graduating students that technology, artificial intelligence and climate change are changing the job market and require young people to adapt, think creatively and build value. He encouraged them to see their certificates as a starting point rather than an end point, and urged them to use digital tools responsibly while developing human judgment, integrity and innovation.

He also said graduates should look beyond local markets and consider opportunities across Africa, pointing to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a way to expand businesses and partnerships. At the same time, he warned that calls for entrepreneurship should not be used to excuse governments from tackling unemployment or to deny young people access to finance, infrastructure and markets.

University officials said the institution has expanded since it began academic activities in 2022. Vice-Chancellor Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade said the school had produced first-class graduates and was helping students register businesses, with plans for start-up support. The remarks reflect a broader debate in Africa over graduate employment, entrepreneurship and how governments should support job creation.