In a desperate act reflecting the frustration of many unemployed individuals in Nigeria, a graduate from Ajayi Crowther University set his academic certificates ablaze after failing to secure a job for 13 years following his graduation.
The graduate, identified as Lutimain Alvin Lanre, displayed each of his certificates from primary to university level before setting them on fire. Expressing his dismay, Lanre mentioned that despite graduating from Ajayi Crowther University and completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2013, he has struggled to find employment and has resorted to menial jobs alongside individuals who did not pursue formal education.
His drastic decision to burn the certificates was accompanied by a statement declaring them useless to him. This act has sparked varied reactions on social media, with some expressing understanding of his frustration, while others questioned the effectiveness of such a demonstration.
Netizens shared their views, with one commenter, @therealmifo, suggesting that colored photocopy machines are available, while @OkoronkwoJohns1 believed that Lanre’s action symbolized the frustrations of the Nigerian job market.
The video of this symbolic act has circulated widely, drawing attention to the challenges faced by many educated individuals struggling with unemployment in Nigeria.