A video posted on X this week shows a Nigerian man shredding his Bachelor of Science degree, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate and O’level result while declaring “I regret going to school; it didn’t help me.” The clip, which quickly went viral, puts graduate frustration at the centre of an online conversation about the value of higher education in a difficult job market.
The man, whose identity was not disclosed, holds up each document before snapping it in half. He points to his BSc in psychology, noting it was awarded with a second‑class upper, then proceeds to rip the paper, repeating that he no longer wishes to be a graduate. “I want to be an illiterate. I don’t want to be a graduate again,” he says, his voice trembling with anger.
The video’s content and reaction
In the short recording, the individual describes the papers as “original copies” and laments that his academic achievements have not translated into the opportunities he expected. The tearing is deliberate, each rip accompanied by a statement of regret. Viewers on the platform responded with a mix of sympathy, criticism and calls for deeper analysis of the employment landscape for graduates. Many shared personal stories of underemployment, while others questioned whether the act was a stunt for attention.
Social media users highlighted the contrast between the man’s academic credentials, a second‑class upper degree in psychology, a fully issued NYSC certificate and a valid WAEC result, and the stark disappointment he expressed. The video has sparked a broader dialogue about the gap between educational attainment and real‑world prospects for young Nigerians.
Context of graduate unemployment
Nigeria’s graduate unemployment rate has hovered around 40 percent in recent years, according to reports from the National Bureau of Statistics. The figure reflects a mismatch between the skills taught in universities and the demands of a growing economy that struggles with inflation, limited private‑sector growth and lingering structural challenges. Psychology graduates, like the man in the video, often find few directly related job openings, pushing many to accept unrelated or low‑paid positions.
The NYSC programme, intended as a year of national service that can enhance employability, also faces criticism for not guaranteeing job placement. While the certificate remains a legal requirement for many public‑sector jobs, the sheer number of certificate holders has diluted its impact. In this environment, a second‑class upper degree no longer guarantees a smooth entry into the workforce.
Voices from the education sector
Experts in higher education note that the sentiment captured in the video is not isolated. Dr. Aisha Bello, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, told reporters that many students graduate with high marks but lack the practical experience employers seek. “Employers are looking for internships, soft skills, and industry‑specific training,” she said. “When those are missing, even the best academic record can feel meaningless.”
Similarly, the National Youth Service Corps Secretariat released a brief statement emphasizing that the NYSC certificate remains a vital credential for public‑sector recruitment and that the programme continues to explore partnerships with private firms to improve post‑service employment outcomes. The statement did not directly address the man’s outburst but show the agency’s commitment to supporting graduates.
Social media debate and possible implications
The clip has reignited debates on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and local forums about whether the education system needs reform. Some commentators argue for a stronger alignment between university curricula and market needs, while others call for increased government incentives for hiring fresh graduates. A trending hashtag, #GraduateFrustration, accumulated thousands of mentions within hours of the video’s upload.
Critics of the man’s act suggest that destroying certificates is symbolic but does not solve the underlying problems. “Tearing papers won’t bring jobs,” one user wrote. “What we need is policy change and better career guidance.” Others defend the emotional response, pointing out that mental health stressors linked to unemployment can lead to dramatic gestures.
What may happen next
No official investigation has been launched into the video, and the man has not been identified by authorities. The platform X has not removed the post, citing its compliance with community guidelines. Meanwhile, NGOs focused on youth employment have pledged to use the incident as a catalyst for advocacy, planning town‑hall meetings in several states to discuss actionable solutions.
As the discussion continues online, the incident serves as a stark illustration of graduate frustration in Nigeria today. Whether the outburst will translate into concrete policy shifts or remain a viral moment remains to be seen. The next steps will likely involve further engagement from education officials, labour ministries and civil society groups seeking to bridge the gap between diplomas and decent work.
