A Nigerian man who has a PhD in mathematics is working as a cleaner. The man’s story is trending online after his salary was mentioned. Details in comments.
A recent story has captivated the attention of Nigerians online: a man with a PhD in mathematics is working as a cleaner, and his salary details have sparked widespread discussion. This narrative highlights the challenges faced by highly educated individuals in securing employment that aligns with their qualifications, as well as the broader issues within Nigeria’s job market.
**The Story of Udoh Nse James**
In February 2022, Engr. Chinedu Eche shared the story of Udoh Nse James, a man from Akwa Ibom State with an impressive academic background:
– **First Degree:** B.Sc. Accounting (2005)
– **Second Degree:** M.Sc. Accounting (2009)
– **Third Degree:** Ph.D. in Econometrics (2012)
Despite his extensive education, James was working as a helper on a construction site at the Dangote Refinery, assisting with the fabrication and erection of a caustic soda storage tank. Engr. Eche emphasized that James should be engaged in financial institutions, teaching, or research roles, and appealed to his LinkedIn network for assistance in finding a more suitable position. citeturn0search3
**Salary Expectations for Cleaners in Nigeria**
The average monthly salary for a cleaner in Nigeria varies based on experience and education:
– **0 – 2 Years Experience:** Approximately NGN 55,100
– **2 – 5 Years Experience:** Around NGN 70,800
– **5 – 10 Years Experience:** About NGN 97,700
– **10 – 15 Years Experience:** Approximately NGN 121,000
– **15 – 20 Years Experience:** Around NGN 130,000
– **20+ Years Experience:** About NGN 138,000
These figures suggest that even with significant experience, earnings for cleaners remain modest.
**Cleaner Salaries in the UK**
In contrast, cleaners in the UK can earn substantially more. A Nigerian engineer residing in the UK, Toyyib Adewale Adelodun, revealed that cleaners can earn up to £100 (approximately NGN 49,000) per day, totaling about £2,000 (around NGN 1,000,000) per month without overtime. This income allows for a comfortable lifestyle, including the ability to afford holidays twice a year. citeturn0search1
**The Dilemma of Highly Educated Nigerians**
James’s situation is not unique. Many Nigerians with advanced degrees struggle to find employment that matches their qualifications. For instance, another individual with two degrees and a PhD in Econometrics ended up working as a laborer at the Dangote Refinery due to a lack of suitable job opportunities. citeturn0search2
**Contributing Factors**
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
1. **Limited Job Opportunities:** The Nigerian job market often does not have enough positions that require advanced degrees, leading to underemployment.
2. **Economic Challenges:** Economic instability can result in organizations prioritizing experience over advanced education, especially in sectors with limited funding.
3. **Mismatch of Skills and Market Needs:** There can be a disconnect between the skills acquired through advanced education and the skills demanded by employers.
**Implications for Nigerian Society**
The prevalence of highly educated individuals in low-paying or unrelated jobs has several implications:
– **Brain Drain:** Talented individuals may seek opportunities abroad, contributing to the loss of skilled professionals.
– **Economic Impact:** Underutilization of human capital can hinder national economic growth and development.
– **Social Challenges:** Persistent unemployment or underemployment can lead to social unrest and dissatisfaction among the populace.
**Conclusion**
The story of the Nigerian man with a PhD working as a cleaner sheds light on the broader challenges within Nigeria’s employment landscape. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including:
– **Educational Reforms:** Aligning academic curricula with market needs to ensure graduates possess relevant skills.
– **Economic Development:** Creating an environment that fosters job creation, particularly in sectors that can absorb highly educated individuals.
– **Policy Initiatives:** Implementing policies that encourage industries to invest in research and development, thereby creating more opportunities for academics and researchers.
By tackling these challenges, Nigeria can better harness the potential of its educated populace, ensuring that individuals like Udoh Nse James can find employment that reflects their qualifications and contributes meaningfully to national development.
— 450+ Points — 100+ Rebounds — 100+ Assists And this is YEAR 22. Let that sink in. 
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