How Recurring ASUU Strikes Cost Nigerian Graduates Lucrative Job Opportunities

Story: written by Oafor Joseph August 28,2025

Frequent strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have continued to take a heavy toll on Nigerian graduates, costing them access to lucrative job opportunities both within the country and abroad.

Over the years, prolonged academic disruptions have delayed graduation timelines, forcing many students to spend extra years in school. This loss of time often places Nigerian graduates at a disadvantage when competing with their peers from other countries where university calendars are stable and predictable.

Recruitment experts note that multinational companies and top organizations usually set strict age limits for entry-level jobs. With graduates losing one to three years to strikes, many find themselves overaged and ineligible for well-paying positions.

Beyond age restrictions, employers also worry about the academic preparedness and productivity of students who pass through disrupted learning cycles, making them less competitive in global markets.

Education analysts warn that unless urgent reforms are introduced to end recurring ASUU strikes, Nigeria risks producing graduates who are unemployable in critical industries—a setback for the country’s economic growth and human capital development.