By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Several factors contribute to this harsh reality. Some countries have weak economies, others have too many graduates chasing too few jobs, and in some cases, the skills taught in universities don’t match what employers actually need.
Let’s take a look at five countries where university graduates struggle the most to find jobs, and why the situation isn’t improving anytime soon.
1. Nigeria
To make matters worse, many Nigerian graduates find that their degrees don’t match the skills employers need. This is why many end up in underpaid jobs or hustling to survive, turning to online businesses, freelancing, or even relocating to other countries in search of opportunities.
2. South Africa
Many employers ask for work experience, but fresh graduates often have none. The result? Many highly educated young people are stuck in casual jobs like retail or hospitality while waiting for their “big break,” which sometimes never comes.
3. India
Another major issue is underemployment, where graduates take low-paying jobs just to survive. It’s common to find people with master’s degrees working as clerks, shop assistants, or even delivery drivers because they can’t find better opportunities in their field.
4. Egypt
Government jobs, once seen as a stable option, have become harder to get, and the private sector often favours those with strong connections. Many young Egyptians are forced to look abroad for work or start their own small businesses, often with limited success.
5. Spain
Spain is a developed country, but it has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Europe. Many university graduates struggle to find work because there are simply not enough jobs available. Economic slowdowns and job cuts in key industries like tourism, banking, and real estate make things even harder.
Spanish graduates find themselves overqualified for the few available jobs, leading them to accept low-paying or temporary jobs while hoping for something better. Many end up leaving Spain to work in other European countries.
What’s the solution?
In many of these countries, education is still seen as the ultimate ticket to success. But reality is proving otherwise. Governments need to revamp education systems, focus on job creation, and bridge the gap between university learning and real-world job skills.