Young graduates say the administration must address the rising unemployment rate and ensure higher level posts are not all taken up by diaspora returnees or foreigners.
Abshir Abdi Yussuf, 25, has a degree but it took three years to get his current job in the social services ministry.
“When you complete your studies, your dream is to work for an institution that can satisfy you professionally and intellectually. I believe it is not advisable for a masters or first degree holder to work in a job meant for a diploma certificate holder,” he said.
But Zakariya Nur Farah, 20, said job hunters did not have the luxury of such choice.
“When you suggest to graduates taking job opportunities at a construction company, they brag that it’s beneath them. So how can we expect to get the job of our dreams without starting from somewhere?”
The two also blamed corruption and nepotism for skewing the job market.
“When a job is advertised and you apply together with those who have relatives in the organizations, you will not be surprised to hear you haven’t been selected, because we already know how it works here,” said Abshir.
Zakariya said it was vital to create employment prospects to stop the youth from migrating illegally in search of better living standards.
“Every now and then we come across seminars about the dangers of migration via the sea – but this is not enough, the authorities must create jobs to stop youth from leaving…I suggest they come up with initiatives to stop university graduates from ending up in the sea because of unemployment at home!” he said.
