A 2013 Geology and Mining graduate, Aliyu Ahmed Kabir has started a ready made tea business at a junction along Bebeji road in Kafanchan, Kaduna state, to earn a living.

Kabir who studied at, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi also earned a certificate in Environmental Health from the College of Health and Technology, Ningi, Bauchi state.

The 28-year-old who spoke to Daily Trust said he is satisfied with the profit he makes from the business daily. He explained that the tea business is a family business because his father had been in this business for a long time before he took over.

He said: "First of all, my father had been in this business for a very long time, so I learned the business from him. And looking at the current economic reality in Nigeria, I reminded myself that it was with this business that my father sponsored my education and he is still doing well, so why not start the business since I know how to do it very well and age is no longer on my father’s side."

"I am not the choosy type. In fact, I get surprised when I see people with only a diploma or NCE who are choosy in their search for jobs. So, since one must search and wait for a long time to get employment in Nigeria, since there is no automatic employment for graduates upon leaving school, I decided to start this business."

"I thank God; the business is providing everything I need. I bought plots of land at Bauchi and Adamawa states with this business; I also got my pepper business capital from this business. I buy many other things to resell with the money I make from this business, and I also do contracts."

Aliyu advised the youth and other graduates to get involved in a business and not just rely on a certificate. He said: "My advice is that they should start doing something to earn a living. Just because you have a certificate shouldn’t make you feel superior."

"You can get involved in your family business if you wish. In fact, acquiring knowledge is never meant for employment purpose, it is meant to prepare you very well to weather the storms and challenges of life. It is expected of you to impact positively on the society."

What are your thoughts?