Is it just me, or is job hunting tougher than ever in Kano these days?

As we hit 2026, the struggle for many fresh graduates and even some with a few years of experience to land good jobs in Kano is real. The market is saturated, competition is fierce, and many employers are looking for more than just a certificate. If you’re a graduate feeling stuck, or a parent just trying to guide your child, there are practical things we can do to increase our employability even when the economy seems unkind.

1. Skills Over Degrees: What Employers Actually Want

Gone are the days when having a degree alone guaranteed a smooth ride into employment. Many recruiters here now emphasize what you can do rather than what you studied. For example, a graduate with a degree in Mass Communication might find more opportunities by mastering social media management or digital marketing platforms — skills that companies pay top Naira for.

Take Aminu from Bayero University Kano, who after graduation learned basic coding on free platforms like freeCodeCamp. Within six months, he landed a junior web developer role because he brought tangible skills, not just a transcript.

2. Networking Is Not Just For the “Big Men” Anymore

In Kano’s job market, who you know still matters. But it’s not just about family connections or who your uncle knows. Nowadays, you can build genuine networks online and offline. Join LinkedIn, connect with industry professionals, attend events like Tech Hubs, or community business mixers in Sabon Gari.

For instance, Fatima, a graduate in Accounting, joined the Kano Business Community WhatsApp group and found out about a small startup looking for an accounts assistant. She reached out directly, impressed them with her enthusiasm and readiness to learn, and got the job.

3. Internships, Even Unpaid Ones, Are Worth Considering Carefully

Many graduates shy away from internships, especially if unpaid, thinking it’s beneath them. But in a market where experience is scarce, an internship — even one without salary — can be the bridge to paid employment.

However, be cautious: look for legitimate opportunities that provide real learning and a pathway to a role. Avoid exploitative situations where you become free labour without gaining skills or references. Remember, even 3 months in a position where you add value can boost your CV much more than long months of inactivity.

4. Upgrade Your CV and Communication Skills

Most recruiters in Kano complain that many young applicants fail at the first step: getting their CV right or communicating well in interviews. A cluttered CV without clear achievements or no cover letter makes you easy to reject.

Spend time tailoring your CV for each job, highlighting measurable results even from school projects or volunteer work. Practice interview skills with friends or mentors. It might sound basic, but confidently speaking about your skills and goals can tip the balance in your favour.

5. Consider Entrepreneurship or Part-Time Gigs

The reality is that formal jobs are not growing fast enough for every graduate. Kano’s large market and growing urban economy present opportunities in small business, digital entrepreneurship, or trades.

• Olalekan, an engineering graduate, started a small solar panel installation business after seeing erratic power supply in his neighbourhood.
• Chinwe combines freelance writing online with managing a convenience store in her compound.

Even if you want to stay in a formal role, part-time gigs can keep you earning, enhancing skills, and building networks.

In Conclusion

The Kano job market is challenging, but not hopeless. It demands smart, persistent graduates who understand the value of skills, networking, and being adaptable. Success stories are all around — those who refuse to rely solely on “my degree” and instead invest in growth, relationships, and practical steps.

If you are a fresh graduate or soon to finish school, start thinking beyond chasing advertised jobs. What skills can you build now? Who can you connect with this week? How can you show value before a company even hires you?

What Do You Think?

• Have you found any unconventional ways to get hired in Kano recently? Share your story!
• What skills are you focusing on to stand out in today’s market?
• For employers reading this, what really makes a graduate stand out for you during recruitment?