Nigerian graduate Olutimehin Ilenre has explained why he chose to burn his original certificates, including his Bachelor of Arts, West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Certificates. In a video shared on social media, Ilenre, a History and International Studies graduate from Ajayi Crowther University, expressed frustration over the lack of job opportunities in the country, deeming his certificates useless in the current situation.
Ilenre emphasized that obtaining certificates in Nigeria seems like a futile endeavor, describing it as a waste of time. He lamented that even when attempting to travel abroad, these certificates hold little value. The graduate revealed that the realization of spending the past 13 years working in jobs where his certificates were unnecessary kept him sleepless for the past week.
Offering advice to Nigerian youth, Ilenre urged them to explore learning practical skills and trades in light of the challenging employment landscape. He stressed the importance of parents empowering their children to acquire hands-on skills, recognizing the present realities in the country.
“I finished school in 2010 and did my NYSC in 2010/2011; till today, I haven’t used these certificates to get a job,” shared Ilenre, reflecting on his personal experience.
