Economic hardship and rising unemployment have triggered a heated conversation among graduates of the 2021 Mass Communication Department of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, as members of their WhatsApp group shared personal experiences and frustrations over Nigeria’s economic reality.
The conversation began with Adewale Mayowa, popularly known as Mayorblack, expressing his disappointment with the state of the country and its impact on graduates.
He questioned why someone who paid over ₦150,000 for school should end up earning just ₦70,000 monthly in a country filled with hardship.
Mayorblack stated, “Salary is the price paid for people to forget their own dreams,” as he criticized the salary-based system that limits young people’s growth.
He argued that if employers could build wealth, then employees should also have the opportunity, saying, “Nah just tym and believe.”
Mayorblack lamented the rising cost of living, especially for those with families, and noted that even public education now comes with financial burdens.
He described the idea of relocating abroad as “sad but the bitter truth,” questioning why one must leave their homeland to live a decent life.
According to him, it would take years for a salary earner to gather over ₦30 million needed for travel, which doesn’t even guarantee a visa.
He expressed deep frustration, saying, “God punish Nigeria,” over a system that forces its citizens into poverty despite the country’s wealth.
Recalling the plight of his old teachers, he pointed out how many of them still cannot afford a basic apartment or a car after decades of work.
He emphasized that the people living well in society are mostly business owners and skilled workers, not salary earners.
Mayorblack accused politicians of enjoying the nation’s wealth while the masses suffer, despite being voted into office by the same people.
He lamented that many graduates now live the same struggling life their parents lived, despite their parents’ efforts to give them better opportunities.
Mayorblack said life becomes even more demanding after marriage and children, making it hard to chase personal dreams.
He concluded that many are forced to give up on their goals and settle for a life of struggle, calling it “how they robbed us.”
Joining the conversation, Owolabi Sunday, also known as Sunnydee, highlighted how inflation makes it difficult for salary earners to meet basic needs.
He stated, “Owo rice ti consume everything, no way for house rent,” painting a picture of daily survival challenges.
Sunnydee noted that petty traders often save over ₦100,000 monthly, unlike most office workers who can’t even save anything.
He argued that even those earning ₦150,000 monthly often spend more than they earn before the month ends.
Orunmuyi Babatunde, popularly called OBJ, shared a more balanced view, suggesting salary earners should live humbly and invest wisely.
He said, “Make salary earner keep in head low for some years and try safe & invest,” advising graduates to avoid luxury and focus on long-term growth.
OBJ admitted that survival is not easy for everyone, especially those without business skills, but maintained that “salary can’t cover 10% of our needs.”
He concluded by urging his colleagues to find side hustles and alternative sources of income, as salaries alone are not enough to live on in Nigeria.
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