Blog Post #5: Toxic Workplace


 

May 31, 2023

Blog Post #5: The Future of Youth Employment in Nigeria


Author: Grace Adeniyi-Ogunyankin

~Assistant Professor, Departments of Geography & Planning, Gender Studies, Queen's University, Ontario

Published: April 10, 2022 3.09pm SAST

Source: https://theconversation.com/toxicworkplaces-the-future-of-youth-employment-in-nigeria-180482


Summary

In Nigeria, the dream of economic growth and urban transformation overshadows the truth about youth employment. Despite the country filled with young professionals, a closer look uncovers a paradoxical reality where both struggle and success coexist. This blog post shows the challenges faced by Nigerian youth, shedding light on toxic work environments and the urgent need for change.

In the pursuit of becoming one of the world's top 20 economies by 2020, Nigeria embraced urban restructuring and economic growth. Job creation became a focal point, with the hope that these initiatives would lead to opportunities for the youth. However, the statistics paint a grim picture. A staggering 63% of young Nigerians aged 15-34 find themselves either underemployed or unemployed, undermining the vision of progress.

Entrepreneurship is often seen as the answer to youth unemployment. While it's tempting to turn job seekers into job creators, this approach overlooks the underlying problems and the aspirations of young people. To make a real difference, they must bridge the gap between policymakers' visions and the dreams of the youth. Many Nigerian youth face hidden challenges in finding good jobs. Even though labor laws may seem strong, they are unclear about important things like work hours, minimum wage, and workplace harassment. This lack of clarity allows employers to break the rules without getting in trouble. Workers, who are afraid of being blacklisted and have limited money to fight back, silently endure toxic work environments.

Recent exposés and social media discussions have shed light on the mistreatment and abuse experienced by workers in Nigeria. Hashtags such as #HorribleBosses and #ToxicWorkplaces have amplified the voices of those who have suffered emotional and physical abuse, highlighting the need for better working conditions.

The future of Nigerian youth rests in the hands of those in power. It is crucial for President Buhari and other leaders to prioritize the well-being of the youth and demand better treatment. By addressing the challenges faced by young workers and working towards creating a supportive and fair work environment, Nigeria can pave the way for a brighter future for its youth.

In conclusion, Nigeria's journey towards economic growth and urban transformation has brought both promise and peril to its youth. The struggle against underemployment and unemployment persists, while toxic work environments threaten the well-being and aspirations of the next generation. It is time for a collective effort to create meaningful change and ensure that Nigerian youth can thrive in a supportive and empowering work environment.


Explanation

I've seen friends suffer in toxic workplaces, and it changed how I view working as an employee. Now, I prioritize finding a supportive environment. I set boundaries, speak up against mistreatment, and prioritize my well-being. It taught me to value my happiness and mental health at work, I am even contemplating entrepreneurship as a potential path for my future due to all the scary stories I heard of toxic workplace.


References

The Conversation: In-depth analysis, research, news and ideas from leading academics and researchers. (2023, May 22). The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/ca 

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