Meet university graduate-turned-bus driver, conductor
Ahmad Tijjani Usman is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, who currently earns a living as a commercial bus driver, sometimes doubling as conductor too. Daily Trust spoke to him, and herewith, are excerpts:
DAhmad Tijjani Usman: I’m from New Turunku, Igabi local government of Kaduna State, but presently living in Kaduna. I went to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, from where I obtained my degree in 2014. After graduation, I went to Bauchi State for national youth service, where I taught at the Government Day Technical College in Alkaleri local government.
Usman: It is in line with the current reality on ground in Nigeria. There is no guarantee that immediately after graduation, you will get employment. There’s a long search process, and a long wait is also involved. There aren’t any vacancies anywhere, so here we are today.
I thank God that my parents are not unrealistic types. That is why immediately after my NYSC, I didn’t waste much time: I just started thinking of what to do to help myself and that was how I started this commercial bus driving thing. I’m naturally not a choosy person.
If God does not provide a job for me, I will continue driving this bus, but with the hope that one day the time shall come to stop, and I will not stop applying for jobs.
Usman: I thank God, because bus-driving provides everything for me. My father was a driver and most of my elder brothers are drivers. Just because God has blessed me with education and I am now graduate doesn’t mean I should feel superior.
I don’t own my own bus, so I always go out to look for a bus to drive. If I do not get it, I would work as a conductor for another driver, just to earn money. It’s better for me than to stay at home or beg somebody.
Usman: There’s no wisdom in staying home waiting for a government job. Go out and seek actively. Also, don’t limit yourself, and find other ways to earn a living. There are countless was, all clean and respectable. God will only help you if you are helping yourself.
On the government’s part, they can do better than what they’re doing now. I think there are ways in which the government can help us better, even though destiny is a factor. Also, government should provide skills acquisition centers for graduates, where if a graduate does not have a job, he’d go there and learn. Also, government should help with startup capital.
Education does not stop someone committing crime, so if a graduate has nothing doing, he can be easily convinced to go astray.