Introduction: “I Have a Degree, But I’m Still Jobless”
If we are being honest,
You probably know at least three graduates who are still searching for jobs, even after completing NYSC. You might be one of them. Perhaps you graduated with a Second Class Upper, submitted countless CVs, and still haven’t landed a stable job.
You start to wonder:
“Is it my school? Is it my course? Or is it that my BSc just isn’t enough anymore?”
The truth is, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault.
The world of work has changed. Employers are no longer just looking for certificates. They’re hiring people who can do the job, not just those who say they studied the job.
In this article, we’re going to unpack:
- Why a university degree is no longer enough in today’s job market
- The digital skills employers are really hiring for
- The role of soft skills in getting hired and promoted
- How you can position yourself for success, even without “connections”
- Real-life, relatable stories of Nigerians who transitioned from “struggling” to “in-demand”
- Action steps you can take, starting today
Let’s dive in.
Part 1: What Nigerian Employers Are Really Looking For in 2025
Let’s say you run a company.
Would you rather hire:
- Candidate A: A first-class graduate with no practical skills or portfolio
- Candidate B: A self-taught person with clear proof they’ve built real things (websites, dashboards, content)
More and more employers are choosing Candidate B.
Why?
Because companies aren’t just paying people to have credentials. They’re paying for results.
As of 2025, Nigerian employers are openly saying it:
“We care more about what you can do, not what you studied.”
A recent Jobberman survey revealed that 71% of Nigerian employers struggle to find job-ready candidates, even among degree holders. In fact, many companies now prefer hiring people with practical digital skills, even if they didn’t study those things in school.
Part 2: Degrees Are Not Useless, But They’re Not Everything
Let’s be clear:
Your degree is not useless. It still proves something valuable: that you can commit, study, and complete something long-term.
But here’s the problem: Most degrees are not designed to keep up with the real world.
By the time your university updates its curriculum, the industry has already moved on.
A four-year course in Computer Science might teach C++ and Java, but the tech industry is hiring developers with experience in JavaScript, React, TypeScript, and cloud platforms.
Meanwhile, courses like Mass Communication may teach theory, but not SEO, content marketing, or social media analytics, which are what media companies need today.
So the degree isn’t the problem.
The problem is that degrees alone don’t prepare you for the job market anymore.
You need extra layers of learning, especially in digital and soft skills, to be employable in 2025.
Part 3: What Are “Digital Skills” Anyway?
When people hear “digital skills,” they often think it means coding or working in tech. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Digital skills are any abilities that help you work effectively using digital tools, platforms, and technologies. And in today’s world, almost every job involves some form of digital interaction.
Let’s break down some popular categories of digital skills that are hiring right now in Nigeria and across Africa, and what kinds of jobs they lead to:
1. Tech Skills
This is where you’ll find things like web development, data analytics, and UI/UX design.
If you know how to build websites, design user-friendly apps, or extract insights from data, you can land jobs as a software engineer, data analyst, or product designer, even remotely for companies outside Nigeria.
2. Marketing Skills
Digital marketing has exploded in Africa. Skills like search engine optimization (SEO), running ads on Facebook or Google, email automation, and content writing are now in high demand.
These skills can land you roles like digital marketer, content strategist, or social media manager, and you can even start as a freelancer with no degree.
3. Business and Admin Tools
Not everyone wants to go into tech or marketing, and that’s fine. Many companies are hiring people who know how to use Excel, manage tasks with tools like Trello or Notion, and keep customer records using CRM platforms.
With these skills, you can work as a virtual assistant, operations manager, or business analyst, either in an office or remotely.
4. Media and Creative Skills
Are you creative? You don’t need to wait for a job in TV or radio anymore.
Skills like graphic design, video editing, and podcast production are super valuable, especially for influencers, startups, and small businesses that need good content.
With tools like Canva, CapCut, and Adobe apps, you can build a portfolio and work as a content creator, editor, or even run your own digital brand.
5. Financial Tech Skills
With the rise of fintech in Nigeria—think of Flutterwave, Paystack, and Kuda—there’s a growing need for people who understand how to use financial platforms, work with mobile money systems, and understand basic coding or data privacy tools.
These skills can lead you into careers like financial analyst, risk analyst, or tech support in a fintech company.
These skills aren’t just for tech bros or first-class students. They’re learnable, practical, and often faster to master than you think. Most people start seeing results in 3 to 6 months, especially when they learn from relatable platforms like Odurinde.com.
Part 4: Why Soft Skills Are the New Oil
Let’s imagine two candidates again.
- One knows how to use Excel and create dashboards, but can’t communicate clearly or work in a team.
- The other is less technical but is confident, listens well, and solves problems fast.
Most employers would rather hire the second person.
That’s because soft skills are what make you valuable in real-life situations.
Soft skills include:
- Communication
- Time management
- Leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Emotional intelligence
Even if you want to work in tech, soft skills are what make you promotable. They’re what turn a developer into a team lead, or a customer service rep into a manager.
And yes, soft skills can be learned and improved.
Part 5: Real Stories From Real Nigerians
Let’s bring it home.
Muna – Degree in Philosophy, Now Earning in Dollars
Muna graduated from UNIZIK with a degree in Philosophy. After NYSC, she couldn’t get a job. She felt lost.
Then she discovered content marketing.
She took a course on SEO, started writing for Nigerian blogs, built a portfolio, and now works remotely for a UK content agency, earning $800/month.
Her degree helped her think critically.
Her skills helped her earn.
Deji – Engineering Graduate to Frontend Developer
Deji studied Electrical Engineering in FUTA. But during the pandemic, he started learning web development online.
He practiced daily, built projects, and uploaded them to GitHub.
Within a year, he landed a job at a Lagos tech startup, no one even asked about his CGPA.
He said:
“My degree gave me structure, but my skills got me paid.”
Funke – NYSC to Digital Marketing Job in 4 Months
Funke studied Business Admin at LASU. During NYSC, she joined a 3-month digital marketing bootcamp on Odurinde.com.
She learned how to run Facebook ads, use Google Analytics, and write content.
By the time she finished NYSC, she already had two clients and now works full-time as a digital strategist.
Part 6: How To Get Started – A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to shift from “degree-only” to “skill-ready.”
Step 1: Choose a Path
Pick one skill area to start with.
Ask yourself: “What can I see myself enjoying, and getting paid for?”
Step 2: Learn From Local Context
Use platforms like Odurinde.com that are built for Nigerians by Nigerians. You’ll understand better, connect with mentors, and get relevant advice.
Step 3: Build Projects
Don’t wait for a job. Start creating.
If you’re learning design, redesign a website.
If you’re learning data, analyze open data.
Step 4: Share Your Work
Create a portfolio. Use LinkedIn. Share your journey, even if you’re still learning.
Step 5: Apply With Confidence
You don’t need to “know everything.”
You just need to show you can solve problems, learn fast, and communicate clearly.
Part 7: How Odurinde.com Makes the Process Easy
Here’s why learners love Odurinde:
Courses are taught with Nigerian examples
You can pay in installments
You get real support, not just videos
Soft skills are included in every course
You can access job networks and client opportunities
Odurinde isn’t just an online course platform, it’s a career development community.
And whether you’re in Lagos, Enugu, Kano, or abroad, you can learn on your phone, laptop, or tablet.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Move From Certificate to Skillset
Let’s not lie to ourselves.
Degrees still have value, but in today’s world, they are no longer enough.
The most employable people are those who combine education with execution.
Those who keep learning. Those who can solve real problems and communicate clearly.
The good news?
You don’t need to go back to university.
You just need to choose a skill, build it, and show it.
If you’re ready to start, Odurinde.com is ready for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is more important—degree or skills?
Today, skills are more important than degrees when it comes to getting hired in Nigeria. Many employers now prefer candidates with practical experience, digital skills, and portfolios over those with only paper qualifications.
Can I get a good job without a degree in Nigeria?
Yes, it is possible. Many Nigerians are now working in tech, marketing, and remote jobs without a university degree. What matters most is your ability to solve problems, show your skills, and communicate effectively.
How long does it take to learn a digital skill?
You can learn beginner-level skills in 1–3 months. With consistency, you can become job-ready in 3–6 months. Platforms like Odurinde.com offer flexible programs to fit your pace and schedule.
What soft skills are Nigerian employers looking for?
The top soft skills employers value include:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Leadership
- Adaptability
These skills are often what set candidates apart during interviews.
Can I learn digital skills online in Nigeria?
Absolutely. You can learn web development, data analysis, design, digital marketing, and more from your phone or laptop. Odurinde.com is one of the best platforms for Nigerians to learn in a relatable and affordable way.
How do I know which skill to learn?
Start with your interests. Ask:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What kind of problems do I like solving?
- What industries are growing in Nigeria?
Then, explore introductory courses or speak with mentors.
Final Call to Action
The future doesn’t belong to the most educated.
It belongs to the most adaptable.
If you’re ready to stop depending on your degree alone and start building real-world, in-demand skills that employers actually care about…
Visit Odurinde.com now and take your first step toward becoming truly job-ready.
You don’t need to wait for the job market to change.
You are the change.
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