Reps seek automatic jobs for first-class graduates

The House of Representatives Wednesday urged federal ministries, departments and agencies to give automatic jobs to first-class graduates.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Chinedu Emeka Martins who noted that universities annually produce hundreds of first-class graduates many of whom find it difficult to secure jobs.

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According to him, while employable first-class graduates are jobless and leaving Nigeria in droves, the lower grade ones, 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.

Martins said Nigeria would continue to stagnate in her status of a “developing nation” if nothing was done urgently to establish a reward system for diligence and excellence.

He said automatic offer of jobs for first-class graduates would be a source of motivation for students in all fields to work harder and maximize their potential in preparation for different economic roles, future leadership positions.

The House urged the Ministry of Education to liaise with relevant government agencies to ensure employment of first-class graduates.

The House mandated its Committees on Tertiary Education and Services and Employment, Labour and Productivity to ensure compliance.