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Despite stiff opposition from some members, the House of Representatives has passed a resolution asked the Federal Government to ensure the employment of first class graduates of Nigerian institutions by relevant government agencies.
Adopting a motion on notice by Rep. Chinedu Martins, the House resolved that giving employment to first class graduates will encourage Nigerian students to work hard, while discouraging brain drain.
Moving the motion, Rep. Martins said both private and government owned universities in the country turn out hundreds of First-Class graduates every year with a vast majority of them finding it difficult to secure to secure jobs or establish a place to give back to the society or make commensurate input to nation-building.
He argued that graduating with a First-Class in any Institution of learning is an indication of a ” Grade A – brain”, as the journey to such feat is not only characterized by the smartness or intellect of the graduating student, but riddled
with challenges such as superlative effort, resilient hard work, determination, and irrepressible stress, with a strong will that showcases the inability to accept failure in all circumstances.
He expressed regret over the growing rate at which employable First-Class graduates are going jobless or leaving the country in droves, after their National Youth Service, while the lower grades whose relations are connected, get the option of first refusal irrespective of the growing national concern to get the nation’s best brains aboard leadership and other positions.
He stressed that recently, the University of Lagos offered employment to no fewer than 100 graduates of the University, who made First- Class in various fields of study in the University; while it is undeniable that there are some firms in the country with define quality and excellent policies that consider
applicants with First-class honours before other categories of graduates, which is in line with global best practice;
He maintained that the same job opportunities are not obtainable for First-class graduates in the Ministries Department and Agencies and parastatals, who are by their position as government agencies, saddled with the responsibilities of driving the country’s economic and Infrastructural development.
He argued that Nigeria has continued to unwittingly give away her best brains and
intellectuals to other countries who by their robust policies on a value system, reward diligence and excellence, as evidenced in the way and manner that Nigeria has continued to export her highly-rated professionals such as
Medical Doctors and Nurses, who were unable to get jobs within the Country after graduation.
He said automatic offer of jobs for first-class graduates, will not only be a source of motivation for students in all fields to work harder, but maximize their potential in preparation for different economic roles, future leadership positions and ultimately reduce unemployment while helping to achieve development targets.
But some members kicked against the motion saying it will encourage academic corruption in the universities while those who may not merit such classification may be the real beneficiaries of the policy.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase call for caution in adopting the resolution to ensure that it is not abused, while saying that the policy should not be tied to all graduates, but to graduates of science and technology related discipline.
Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas said the issue of federal character should be taken into consideration while such a resolution as it may have implications on the policy.