Truth Is Bitter (II): Entitlement Mentality and Inability To Recognize Opportunities By Bamidele-Ademola Olateju.

What is the value of a second class upper degree in Nigeria. You cannot graduate with Magna cum laude and not be very smart in any American or European institutions. I have met many people with second class upper Who do not merit the grade they were awarded. Nigeria has a lot of systemic problems and we will face the consequences for decades to come. We have debased everything including education.

Of the five people I shortlisted, I have met only one through Circle of Hands. All of them graduated Magna cum laude from various institutions. None was family. After the shortlist, I wrote them and emphasized the need for them to contact me if and when the recruiting organization contacts them. Only the guy I met through COH replied the mail! Was I shocked? Yes! At COH, we have been looking at ways to further opportunities for the youths who are our members, in a country without many opportunities. Naturally we scout for the best candidates we can find. Through our Trustees and patrons, we seek access to advertised and internal openings in organizations with a view to putting brilliant but disadvantaged youths to work. We believe these youths will become ambassadors of COH and will eventually become recruiters of other youths for openings in their circle of influence as they advance in their careers.

Many silent friends on my wall has helped in this regard by giving us information on openings within their establishments. The candidates sent in their resume by mail like all else and few weeks later three of them were summoned for screening and interview. None of them contacted me. I needed them to make contact if invited so we can prep them for the interview by conducting mock interview for them in Lagos. Of course I knew they were shortlisted because I went online to check and had contacts within the establishment and was following the exercise keenly for other reasons. One of them was routed to Port Harcourt and given less than 12 hours to make it down. I followed administrative procedures and he was re-routed to Lagos. Someone contacted him and told him to come to Lagos instead. When he finally made contact, his SMS was irreverent and he placed several calls to me at such odd hours when I don't receive calls even from family unless in an emergency. Of course I decline all. The rest made no contact. Unfortunately the candidate I met physically through COH functions was not shortlisted.

We know from experience that many people do not interview well in the Nigerian environment. We know issues of etiquette and poise abound. Once invited for an interview, you are considered fit, the rest is to create an unforgettable impression.  Our candidates failed this test. They did not grab the opportunity. Many will prefer to call their pastors for prayer or go to "Ori Oke" instead of preparing the orthodox way.

The screening and interview were grueling. I followed it closely and was satisfied with the process by Nigerian standards. I had people at the venue who monitored everything and gave me feedback. I had no idea how they did at the interview. I hope they did well. I hope they get the job. If they don't, they bungled a priceless opportunity. It is the way they roll. They want everything on a platter. They are used to cutting corners...To be continued...