Nigerian ‘University First-Class Graduate’ Hawks Water For Survival Amid Hardship, Begs For Job

Sham’unu Ishaq, a first-class graduate from Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University in Katsina State, has taken to selling sachet water on the streets to make ends meet. Despite graduating with top honors on July 5, 2023, Ishaq has been unable to secure a job, forcing him into the menial task of street hawking for survival.

In a video shared with Fusion Chronicles Nigeria, Ishaq displayed his notification of results, confirming he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education Biology. Speaking candidly about his struggles, he explained: “I graduated and had no job, so I started hawking sachet water to survive. Here in Katsina, there is no opportunity to do something meaningful to improve my life.”

The young graduate described how his daily income from selling sachet water barely covers his basic needs. “The business doesn’t yield enough,” he admitted. “Most times, all I can do with the money is eat. I can’t save anything.”

Ishaq made an earnest appeal to the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, and the public for assistance. “As you can see, I am a university graduate with no job, and poverty is weighing heavily on me,” he said, highlighting the financial pressures he faces while trying to support his family.

With limited options, Ishaq emphasized that hawking sachet water is currently his only source of income. He also made a broader plea for help from across the country, stating, “I need assistance—not just from the state government, but from any Nigerian, whether from the south, east, north, or west. I just need help.”

Despite his challenging circumstances, Ishaq expressed his willingness to work. “I can do any kind of job,” he said, hoping that his message would reach potential employers or benefactors.

In his final words, Ishaq reiterated his appeal to Governor Radda: “My message to the Katsina State Governor is simple—please help me.”