My moral integrity so convinced me that I am
immune to some compromise. I imbibed principles which till date have largely
defined who I am and how I live – even perhaps how I respond to various issues;
most of which I learnt from my Dad.
Though bribery characterizes our immediate
society, such that educational certificates can be obtained through mere
giveaways, I thought I would forever be dissociated with bribing.
During my second year in the university, I
thought of my course of study as a deadlock. I considered the present Nigerian society
and saw no prospects, no future, and no exciting professional experience in the
course. However, I continued and completed the course with enthusiasm and
optimism.
Sure enough, graduating from school, I was
greeted with the labour market reality and the usual mantra Nigerian graduates are not employable.
Well, I agreed or rather, agree with the mantra to the extent of the quality of
practical education dished out to students, relative to our global competitors
in the real business world. Then my moral courage failed me. I knew I had to do
something – something that would change my life forever.
I understood that employers or employing
organizations were seeking something more than certificate. So, I was willing
to offer something more.
The meeting with my employer was brief and
interesting. It was not a job via connection – as in ima mmadu but unusual, in
respect to the size of the bribe. He was very impressed that the wrap had the relevant content.
HOW MUCH WAS THE BRIBE
Simple. The bribe was accumulated in 3
batches.
My employer, on handing him the bribe asked “Where
did you get all these from?”
“A one year sweat” I responded.
Now the bribe I handed to him was
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS acquired through professional development.
That’s the language of today’s business
organization.
The question is not “What did you study?” or
“What certificate(s) do you hold?” It is rather “What can you offer?” “Why should
I hire you?”
Those who
have developed professional skills beyond paper qualification are gold mines to
business organizations.
There is no bribe more potent than that.
Professional skill is a bribe confidently given (by you) and gladly received
(by your potential employer).
I spent my first year after graduation to
develop professional skill in my area of core interest and it paid off
immediately after my national service.
Again, NO
BRIBE IS MORE POTENT THAN WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COMPANY.
Organizations would rather hire 1 man who has
the knowledge and skill to do the job than 3 men who need to be trained in the
knowledge and skill.
There is job everywhere. There are not many
persons ready to work. Get the right credentials and bribe your way to a job…like
I did.
