Introduction

We grew up with the belief that “work hard at school, earn your degree, and you will find a job.” In Niger, this idea has long represented an almost natural path to success. Families make sacrifices to educate their children, young people spend years studying, and at every stage, the degree appears to be the reward that should open the doors to the future. Yet, after completing their studies, many discover a different reality: a degree does not always guarantee employment. This raises an important question: does our education system truly prepare young Nigeriens for the realities of the workplace?

A Generation Mainly Trained Through General Education

Our generation has followed an educational path in which general education has played an important role. We have studied mathematics, French, science, and many other subjects. These areas of knowledge are essential, so the problem is not general education itself. The challenge arises when knowledge is not accompanied by practical skills. Today, a young person may hold a degree but lack professional experience, digital skills, entrepreneurial abilities, or practical know-how. Yet, the labor market needs people who can turn knowledge into solutions.

In Niger, Degrees Face the Reality of Employment

Every year, a new generation of young people enters the labor market. The World Bank had already indicated that around 350,000 young Nigeriens entered the labor market each year, with a significant gap between their qualifications and the requirements of available jobs. This situation creates a paradox: on the one hand, young people struggle to find employment, while on the other, some sectors face difficulties finding the skills they actually need. Niger’s experience nevertheless shows that practical training can make a difference. Vocational training and apprenticeship programs have enabled young people to acquire skills in various trades, while the International Labour Organization launched the RECOMPENSE project in 2025, focusing on the leather and hides sector.

Training to Work, but Also to Create

Niger does not only need young people who are able to look for jobs. It needs young people who can create value. Agriculture, livestock, digital technology, crafts, energy, the processing of local products, and services offer significant opportunities. However, taking advantage of these opportunities requires skills: the ability to use technology, manage an activity, communicate, solve problems, and understand market needs. This means strengthening technical and vocational training, internships, practical learning, and entrepreneurship while also modernizing general education.

Conclusion

The problem facing our generation is not that we have studied too much. It is that we have sometimes been prepared more to pass exams than to solve problems in the professional world. Niger should not have to choose between degrees and skills, but should ensure that both develop together. A degree can demonstrate what we have learned; a skill shows what we are capable of doing with it.

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