Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has voiced his frustration over what he describes as a growing wave of incompetence in the country.
The award-winning director took to Instagram to share his concerns, highlighting a troubling trend among job seekers who, despite complaining about unemployment, fail to perform efficiently when given an opportunity.
Afolayan did not hold back his disappointment. In a strongly worded post, he wrote:
“I am so saddened by the high level of incompetence in our beloved country. A lot of people cry about not having a job, but when they get one, how efficient are they at it? I’m so pissed.”
His words sparked an outpouring of reactions from colleagues and fans, many of whom shared similar experiences. The discussion quickly gained momentum, with industry insiders and professionals echoing his concerns.
Industry peers share their frustrations
Actress Biola Bayo weighed in on the conversation, shedding light on her own struggles with unreliable job seekers. She described how many applicants fail to take job opportunities seriously.
“Come ask me o! They’ll apply for jobs, get called for an interview, and won’t even show up. The ones who get hired don’t resume work, and those who do just don’t want to work,” she lamented.
Media personality Stephanie Coker also chimed in, revealing that the issue had been a topic of discussion for her over the weekend.
“I spent the whole weekend discussing this,” she commented, underlining how widespread the problem has become.
Content creator and actress Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kiekie, added her voice to the conversation with an equally passionate reaction. She expressed frustration over the lack of dedication and professionalism in various fields.
“I am screaming!! This!! It’s alarming!! Even if you have all the money in the world, you still won’t get results! The spirit of excellence is zero,” she exclaimed.
A nationwide concern
Afolayan’s concerns reflect a larger issue that has plagued Nigeria’s workforce for years. While unemployment remains a pressing challenge, many employers have repeatedly voiced frustrations over workers’ poor attitudes, lack of commitment, and failure to deliver results.
Experts argue that several factors contribute to this growing issue. Some blame a flawed educational system that does not adequately prepare graduates for real-world demands. Others point to a culture of entitlement, where many expect financial rewards without putting in the necessary effort.
Employers across different industries have shared similar experiences. Business owners often complain about employees who show up late, ignore responsibilities, or leave their jobs without prior notice. Many have had to deal with high turnover rates due to a lack of dedication and professionalism among workers.
The need for a change in work ethic
As frustration mounts, many are calling for a shift in work culture. Some believe training programs and mentorship initiatives could help bridge the gap between education and practical job skills. Others stress the importance of instilling a strong work ethic from an early age.
Afolayan’s outburst may have sparked a debate, but it also serves as a wake-up call. Hard work, discipline, and accountability are essential for personal and national growth. Without these values, even job opportunities will not translate into progress.
The conversation continues, and as more voices join in, the hope remains that this issue will be addressed. Nigeria’s workforce has immense potential, but to unlock it, a change in mindset and attitude is necessary.
