Unemployment crisis: Bridging the gap between education and employment

In an era where thousands of eager students toss their caps into the air only to find a harsh reality awaiting them—joblessness. It’s not just a passing phase or a mere statistical abnormality; rather, it signifies a profound and systemic failure that urges us to examine deep into the complex interplay between education, skills, and the towering expectations of the job market.

Uganda has over 40 universities whereby thousands of students graduate from each university annually which presents both a promise and a challenge. From the recent graduation over 10,900 students who graduated from Kyambogo University are now flooding  the job market with dreams of high-paying positions, only to be met with a harsh reality where there is a mismatch between the skills and knowledge acquired through the education and the demands of the job market. 

According to the National Planning Authority (NPA) statistics released in 2021, 700,000 people join the job market every year regardless of qualification but only 90,000 get something to do, which shows that 87 percent of people are ready to work but cannot find jobs. According to Mr Patrick Kaboyo, the secretary for education of non-state education institutions, every individual who invests in education expects to harvest some dividends. However, graduates armed with degrees step into the professional arena with high hopes and expect a high-paying position without having the practical skills that today’s employers seek, only to meet with a harsh reality. These have made many graduates resort to prostitution, theft and robbery due to idleness and trying to look for means of survival.

In the complicated puzzle of problems leading to high unemployment rates among graduates, the education system takes on a key role since it plays a central part in the challenges we face in finding and securing jobs. The curriculum presented by the education system carries a biggest percent of the theory than the practical, which is highly demanded by the job market hence contributing to unemployment as employers struggle to find candidates with the right qualifications and competencies. Limited vocational training opportunities in schools also has contributed to unemployment since students are mostly taught theoretical rather than practical work leading to a mismatch between skills and job requirements. As universities continue to produce thousands of graduates each year, the focus must shift towards aligning academic curricula with the demands of the job market to create more job creators than job seekers
Bridging this gap requires a collaborative effort from educational institutions, employers, and policy makers. It involves adapting curricular structures to incorporate practical skills, fostering industry partnerships, and implementing a career-oriented guidance programme.

Educational institutions must prioritise the cultivation of practical skills that are directly applicable in professional settings as well as setting up a curriculum that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates emerge not just as fountains of knowledge but as expert navigators of the complexities of the workplace. Policies that encourage internships, and experiential learning opportunities should be implemented to keep pace with the evolving needs of industries.

However, educators must adopt a mentorship role, guiding students not just academically but also in the development of essential soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork and adaptability since they are key to success in the professional arena.

Addressing the unemployment crisis among graduates requires a collective commitment to bridging the gap between education and employment. By setting up education policies that prioritising practical skills, adjusting expectations to align with the realities of the job market and equipping graduates with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape, we can pave the way for a more resilient and adaptive workforce. However, the time for collaborative action is now.                            

Caroline Kinkuhaire,  Vijana For Sustainable Development And Environmental Action. Advocacy Officer