African continent is saddled with youths who mostly are living in a state of “waithood,” which is a term referred to unemployed graduates who due to the unavailability of livelihood or jobs depends on their parents. This waithood is not only experienced by the African youths alone but is shared some number of young people in the developed world as well who are also struggling with challenges of unemployment and political exclusion. The said generation is progressively losing faith in the capability of its government to curb their dilemma, and thus they have no choice but to rebel against the status quo as seen in the incremental protest from the youth upheaval in Tunisia, the Arab Spring and the overthrowing of Senegalese Abdoulaye Wade and Campaore in Burkina Faso, Occupy Wall Street in the USA and in occupy Abuja in Nigeria by disgruntled youth and Los Indignados in Spain, depicting an era of young people clamoring for political change.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Historical Background
Effects of waithood
Youths struggle in effecting Change
Conclusions
Recommendations
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the state of "waithood"—a condition of prolonged suspension from adulthood among unemployed university graduates—and explores how this precarious socio-economic situation serves as a catalyst for youth-led social movements and political protests in Nigeria.
- The conceptual definition and socio-economic origins of "waithood"
- The impact of systemic corruption and unemployment on Nigerian youth
- The psychological and practical manifestations of waithood (stagnation, informal economy, and dependency)
- The role of digital technologies and social media in mobilizing social movements
- Proposed strategies for integrating youth into formal economic and governance structures
Excerpt from the Book
Historical Background – The causes of waithood and youth’s unrest.
Waithood is a social menace in Africa. The world's highest unemployment rates exist in Sub-Saharan Africa and even though the rate of Nigeria was pegged at 9% in 2020 the rate of underemployed youths is staggering. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), 82% of African workers are "working poor". Waithood is because of unemployment and underemployment as unemployment includes underemployment and unemployability. The underemployed which is basically same as no job is not included in the data on unemployment in Nigeria. Graduates are forced to take these menial and very low paying unfulfilling jobs most times to be busy and not to be tagged lazy because these jobs cannot meet their needs. According to Alcinda M. Honwana, (2012) “Underemployment is much more dangerous than unemployment as it hides the true reality of the state of employment rates particularly in countries that post low unemployment rates”. For example, more than 60% of Nigerian youths are working below standard of living. The situation is worsened by the high influx of youths from rural to urban cities with a very high hope of getting their dream job only for them to be disappointed.
It is not a hyperbole to classify Nigeria as the most corrupt country in the world and the words of the renowned lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, the father of Falz with the musical video – ‘This is Nigeria’ stated that Nigeria operates a “predatory neo-colonialist capitalist system” established on corruption, and reproduces corruption, is true. Nigeria being called the giant of Africa earned that name from its geographical and economic prowess with a myriad of intellectuals but ironically more than 60% of the nationals are impoverished living below a daily income of 1$ while few are wallowing in affluence on an income of 1000$ a day. That is the gap which keeps widening at the chagrin of the masses.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter defines the core concept of "waithood" as a state of prolonged adolescence and stagnation for unemployed graduates and outlines the researcher's qualitative methodology.
Historical Background: This section investigates the systemic causes of waithood in Nigeria, highlighting how political corruption and underemployment drive youth frustration and collective action.
Effects of waithood: This chapter discusses the personal and economic consequences of waithood, including delayed adulthood, reliance on the informal economy, and psychological distress.
Youths struggle in effecting Change: This chapter analyzes how Nigerian youth utilize digital tools and social media to mobilize and protest against political and economic injustices.
Conclusions: This chapter synthesizes the research findings, asserting that systematic exclusion of youth makes social upheaval increasingly likely in the Nigerian context.
Recommendations: This chapter provides policy suggestions for the Nigerian government and actionable skill-development strategies for the youth to improve their transition into the workforce.
Keywords
Waithood, Nigeria, Youth, Social Movements, Unemployment, Underemployment, Political Protest, Economy, Corruption, Digital Activism, Socio-economic, Development, Education, Informal Sector, Governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this term paper?
The paper focuses on the phenomenon of "waithood," describing the state of inactivity and stagnation faced by unemployed university graduates in Nigeria and how it fosters political dissatisfaction.
What is the core research goal of this study?
The study aims to identify the components of waithood and analyze the direct link between this precarious economic existence and the inclination of youths to join or form social movements.
Which scientific methodology does the author apply?
The author employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing phenomenology as a theoretical framework and analyzing secondary scientific literature alongside contemporary events and personal observations.
What is the meaning of "waithood"?
Coined from "waiting for adulthood," it refers to a state of limbo where young adults with degrees are unemployed, dependent on parents, and unable to achieve traditional markers of adulthood such as marriage and financial independence.
How does technology influence youth movements in the study?
The author highlights that social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp are essential for mobilizing youth, disseminating information, and challenging corrupt political leaders.
How is the term "underemployment" viewed by the author?
The author, referencing Alcinda M. Honwana, argues that underemployment is more dangerous than unemployment because it masks the true reality of economic hardship while forcing graduates into menial roles.
What role does corruption play in the Nigerian context mentioned in the text?
The paper argues that systemic corruption prevents qualified graduates from obtaining jobs through merit, forcing them to rely on "godfatherism" or personal networks, which further fuels youth agitation.
What specific protest movements are cited as examples of youth unrest?
The paper identifies #OccupyAbuja and #ENDSARS as significant examples of how waithood and systemic frustration can catalyze large-scale social movements in Nigeria.
What are the author's primary recommendations for the Nigerian government?
The author suggests diversifying the educational system to include vocational and technical training (similar to the German 'Ausbildung' model) and actively engaging youth in national development policy.
Why does the author consider their own background relevant to the study?
The author uses their own experience as a former "waithood" victim to provide subjectivity and authenticity, arguing that their personal insight adds value to the qualitative analysis of the phenomenon.
- Quote paper
- Judith Okike (Author), 2021, "Waithood". The dilemma of youths, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1457906
