Nigerian influencer Ola of Lagos has advised graduates struggling to secure employment to remain persistent and demonstrate seriousness when pursuing opportunities.
Speaking on TheKKShow podcast, the influencer said some of his employees obtained their positions after repeatedly contacting him through direct messages.
He used the examples to argue that job seekers should take initiative and continue following up when attempting to gain the attention of potential employers.
Influencer Shares Hiring Experience
Ola of Lagos said some members of his staff secured opportunities by consistently reaching out to him online.
He suggested that persistence and visible interest can help job seekers stand out in situations where employers receive numerous enquiries.
His remarks reflect his experience of recruiting staff through social media and his view that applicants should take active steps to connect with potential employers.
Debate Over Graduate Unemployment
The comments have a wider context in Nigeria, where graduates face differing challenges in the search for work, including limited vacancies, competition for entry-level roles and gaps between some academic qualifications and employers’ requirements.
While persistence can help applicants discover opportunities, employment outcomes also depend on factors outside an individual’s control, such as labour demand, access to networks, location and the availability of suitable jobs.
The influencer’s remarks therefore represent personal advice rather than a comprehensive explanation of graduate unemployment.
Practical Lessons for Job Seekers
Applicants can improve their search by preparing clear CVs, developing relevant skills, tailoring applications to specific roles and contacting employers through appropriate channels.
Following up professionally may also help applicants communicate their interest, provided they respect employers’ boundaries and recruitment procedures.
Job seekers should be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information or paying unverified individuals who promise employment.
A Controversial Message
Ola of Lagos’s statement that struggling graduates are partly responsible for their circumstances places responsibility on individual initiative.
However, the extent to which persistence affects employment outcomes varies, and not every qualified applicant will secure a job simply by sending repeated messages.
His comments have added to the ongoing debate about personal responsibility, opportunity and the structural challenges facing young Nigerians entering the labour market.