Frustrated Man Burns University Certificates Over Low Salary Job Offer
A viral video has stirred emotions across social media after a young Nigerian man was seen burning his academic certificates in a dramatic protest over what he described as an insultingly low job offer.
The video, which has since made rounds on multiple platforms, shows the man using a gas lighter to set fire to two certificates, expressing his frustration with the job market and claiming he had no regrets about his actions.
A Symbolic Act of Despair
According to those close to the situation, the man had just returned from a job interview when he decided to destroy his academic credentials. His frustration stemmed from receiving a salary offer he deemed unworthy of his years of study and sacrifice.
While the authenticity of the certificates he burned has been called into question by some online users, the video has ignited a broader conversation about graduate unemployment and underemployment across Africa.
Online Reactions: A Mix of Empathy and Skepticism
Many users sympathized with the young man, citing similar experiences of rejection and low-paying jobs despite holding academic qualifications. One commenter, @riasmbr, shared his own journey:
“I graduated in 2019. After graduation, I started working at a fueling station earning N18,000. I worked there for almost two years. I met a lot of people, moved to a job of N50k, then N70k, and eventually N100k. At one point, I went back to N50k, then N80k, and today I own one of the biggest tech companies in Port Harcourt.”
Others questioned the man’s decision, urging patience and persistence instead of giving in to discouragement. Some even speculated that the certificates might not have been genuine, suggesting it could be a stunt for attention.
A Broader Issue: Unemployment Among the Educated
Nigeria, like many African countries, continues to struggle with high youth unemployment. Many university graduates find themselves accepting jobs that pay far below a livable wage, while others face months or even years of job hunting.
Experts argue that the situation requires long-term investment in job creation, skills training, and entrepreneurship support. Emotional reactions like the one seen in the viral video are becoming more common as frustrations boil over.
A Wake-Up Call
While the video has provoked strong opinions, it also serves as a stark reminder of the pressures young graduates face today. Whether symbolic or genuine, the act of burning certificates reflects the deep sense of hopelessness some feel about their future.
For now, the video continues to spark debate across social media, with many calling for urgent reforms to bridge the gap between education and employment opportunities.
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Frustrated Man Burns University Certificates Over Low Salary Job Offer