Milestone03 Ifeanyi-David Uzochukwu 02.11.2023
Milestone03 Ifeanyi-David Uzochukwu 02.11.2023
Milestone03 Ifeanyi-David Uzochukwu 02.11.2023
Instructions: Provide responses to all items in the orange boxes. The worksheet
consists of Sections A-E. Work on this worksheet one section at a time throughout
your week, and return to Canvas after each section for the next set of content and
further instructions.
Which Grand Challenge or Great Opportunity (GCGO) do you want to play a part in addressing?
(Pick one.)
You are going to take a first pass at briefly describing your chosen problem. This can be any
problem that speaks to you, as long as it is a real-life occurrence that is clearly linked to your
chosen GCGO, that occurs in a certain place and for certain people (and/or animals), and that it
can be clearly defined.
For example, if you chose wildlife conservation as your GCGO, you might first state your chosen
problem as:
There are very few white rhinos left in Kenya and they are in danger of going extinct.
Note that this is just your first attempt stating the problem, and you don’t need to quantify the
problem yet. In order to get to your official problem statement (which does need to be
quantifiable) first answer the following questions. The more specific your answers, the better.
You may also ask Google, Wikipedia, , ChatGPT, and/or other reliable online sources to help you.
Please be sure to cite (give credit to) any sources that you use.
The Problem:
The problem is the inadequate job creation in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas such
as Lagos and Port Harcourt. High unemployment rates, underemployment, and limited
employment opportunities for the growing population of young unemployed Nigerians
are prevalent issues.
Current Reality:
As a result of this problem, the current reality in Nigeria is marked by economic
instability and social challenges. High unemployment and underemployment rates lead
to financial stress, poverty, and social unrest. Many individuals, especially youths,
struggle to find stable and fulfilling employment. This situation has a ripple effect on
the overall economy, social well-being, and the development of the country.
Reality if Problem Continues:
If the problem of inadequate job creation continues, the future reality in Nigeria could
be even bleaker. High levels of unemployment and underemployment can lead to
increased poverty, crime rates, and social unrest. The country's economic growth may
stagnate or decline, making it challenging to achieve sustainable development and
improve the quality of life for its citizens. Long-term consequences could include
decreased overall well-being, limited access to education and healthcare, and a
strained social fabric. It's crucial to address this problem to prevent these negative
outcomes and foster a brighter future for Nigeria. (per ChatGPT)
2. Who does this problem impact, directly and indirectly? Who contributes to the problem?
Direct Impact:
Young Job Seekers: Young adults in Nigeria, who are entering the job market, are
directly impacted by limited job opportunities, which can hinder their career prospects
and financial independence.
Families: Families of the unemployed or underemployed individuals also feel the direct
impact, as they may have to support family members facing job challenges, leading to
financial strain.
Indirect Impact:
Businesses: A lack of skilled and qualified employees due to limited job opportunities
can indirectly affect businesses, hindering their growth and productivity.
Government and Policy Makers: The government is indirectly impacted by the problem,
as they must allocate resources to address the social and economic consequences of
high unemployment, and develop policies to stimulate job creation
Contributors to the Problem:
Economic Factors: Economic instability, slow economic growth, and market
fluctuations can contribute to the problem of job creation by limiting businesses' ability
to expand and hire new employees. (per ChatGPT)
Education System: An education system that does not adequately equip students with
relevant skills for the job market can contribute to the problem. (per ChatGPT)
This problem occurs continually and affects various regions of the country, including
urban and rural areas. It is not limited to a specific timeframe and has been a recurring
concern due to a variety of economic, political, and social factors. Factors contributing
to the problem may change over time, but the issue of job creation has been a
significant and consistent challenge in Nigeria's socio-economic landscape.
The problem of inadequate job creation is occurring throughout Nigeria, impacting both
urban and rural areas. However, the context in which this problem occurs varies
depending on the region.
In this context, job creation in Nigeria faces various challenges, including competition
for limited opportunities, economic and political instability, and disparities in education
and infrastructure between urban and rural areas. Addressing these challenges
requires comprehensive and region-specific approaches to create meaningful
employment opportunities for the population. (per ChatGPT)
5. Why is this a problem? What are the pain points or gaps? Why do you personally care
about this problem?
The problem of inadequate job creation in Nigeria is significant for several reasons:
Social Unrest: Lack of job opportunities can contribute to social unrest, as unemployed
or underemployed individuals may face financial stress and frustration.
Poverty: Limited job opportunities directly correlate with higher poverty rates,
negatively affecting the quality of life for many Nigerians.
The pain points and gaps associated with this problem include:
Skills Mismatch: There is often a disconnect between the skills possessed by job
seekers and the skills required by employers, leading to underemployment.
Inadequate Education and Training: Limited access to quality education and vocational
training leaves many job seekers ill-prepared for the job market.
Inequality: The problem exacerbates social and economic inequality, as certain regions
and populations have more limited access to job opportunities.
The fact that this issue affects both people and society at large makes it important to
me. In addition to being necessary for the economy, meaningful work promotes social
stability, individual worth, and dignity. Improving living standards, lowering poverty
rates, and supporting steady economic growth in Nigeria all depend on addressing the
employment creation problem. It is a significant problem that, if resolved, may improve
millions of Nigerians' lives and advance the nation's growth.
6. How would reality be different if this problem were solved? (This can be your opinion.)
Addressing the problem of inadequate job creation in Nigeria will bring a better and
more prosperous future for the country, with better economic prospects, reduced
poverty and improved social welfare. This not only benefits individuals but also
contributes to the overall development and stability of the country.
7. What is the historical context for this problem? What happened in the past that
contributes to the problem now?
According to ChatGPT the historical context for the problem of inadequate job creation
in Nigeria is shaped by a combination of factors, including colonial history, political
developments, and economic fluctuations. Several key historical events and factors
have contributed to the problem as it stands today: Colonial Legacy, Independence and
Political Instability, Oil Dependency, Economic Fluctuations, Education System,
Corruption, Population Growth.
8. What are the possible economic (money-related) reasons why this problem exists and
continues?
Oil Dependency: Nigeria's heavy reliance on oil revenues has historically limited
economic diversification. When global oil prices fluctuate, it directly impacts the
country's revenue and its ability to invest in other sectors that could create jobs. (per
ChatGPT)
Corruption: Widespread corruption can lead to misallocation of funds, reducing the
resources available for job creation programs and infrastructure development. (per
ChatGPT)
Currency Devaluation: Fluctuations in the value of the Nigerian Naira can affect the
cost of doing business, impacting the ability of companies to hire and retain
employees. (per ChatGPT)
Public Debt: High levels of public debt can divert government resources from job
creation efforts towards debt servicing, reducing funds available for economic
development and job creation. (per ChatGPT)
These economic factors, among others, play a significant role in the existence and
persistence of the problem of insufficient employment generation in Nigeria. Solving
this problem requires not only creating new job opportunities but also addressing the
underlying economic challenges that contribute to its popularity.
9. What are the possible political reasons why this problem exists and continues?
Political Instability: Periods of political instability, including military coups and
frequent changes in government, have led to inconsistent economic policies and
hindered long-term planning for job creation.
Political Patronage: The practice of political patronage, where political leaders appoint
individuals to positions of power based on loyalty rather than merit, can lead to
unqualified individuals occupying key government positions, affecting economic
decision-making.
Lack of Transparency: A lack of transparency in government operations and
decision-making can breed distrust and discourage foreign investors and businesses
from entering the Nigerian market.
Security Concerns: Political instability in certain regions of the country can result in
security concerns, which may deter businesses from investing in those areas, limiting
job opportunities. (per ChatGPT)
Ethnic and Regional Politics: Nigeria's complex ethnic and regional politics can
influence government policies and resource allocation, potentially favoring certain
regions over others in terms of job creation initiatives. (per ChatGPT)
10.What cultural beliefs and/or social norms possibly contribute to this problem?
Family Expectations: Many families in Nigeria have high expectations for their children,
pressuring them to pursue traditional professions like medicine, law, or engineering.
This can result in an oversaturation of certain fields, while other potentially lucrative
sectors remain underexplored.
Fear of Failure: Cultural and societal norms may stigmatize entrepreneurial failure,
discouraging individuals from starting their own businesses. The fear of failure can
deter potential job creators from taking risks, which are often inherent in
entrepreneurship.
Gender Norms: Gender roles in Nigeria can restrict women's access to job
opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures. Traditional gender norms may limit
women's participation in certain sectors or discourage them from pursuing
non-traditional careers.
Work Ethic and Success: Nigerian culture places a high value on hard work and
success. However, this can manifest in a preference for secure, salaried employment
over entrepreneurial ventures, as self-employment or small business ownership may be
seen as riskier.
11. Who are the people potentially responsible (directly or indirectly) for creating and/or
maintaining this problem?
Business Leaders: Business leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs play a vital role in
creating jobs through their companies. Their decisions regarding business expansion,
investment, and hiring practices can directly affect job creation.
Labor Unions: Labor unions have the potential to influence labor policies, wages, and
employment conditions. They can either support or resist changes that impact job
creation.
Now that you have the preliminary information you need, you’ll continue your web research to
find some numbers, or quantifiable information, to help describe your problem:
What numerical data can you find that is relevant to your problem? Be sure to use your own
words and also cite (give credit to) your sources.
Example 1:
According to Chat GPT, there are about 880 white rhinos currently living in Kenya. This population
is very small, and they are critically endangered.
Example 2:
Johannesburg has approximately 5.8 million residents (per ChatGPT) and had approximately 4.7
million international overnight visitors in 2019 (according to the South African Tourism Annual
Report for 2019/2020).
12. Approximately how many people (and/or animals) are directly impacted by this
problem? Explain.
13. Approximately how many people (and/or animals) are indirectly impacted by this
problem? Explain.
According to ChatGPT, a rough estimate for the indirect impact could be approximately
30-40 million people. This estimate takes into account family members and
dependents of those directly affected by unemployment and underemployment, as well
as community members living in areas with high joblessness. The ripple effects can
affect access to education, healthcare, and overall well-being for these individuals.
14. What other numerical data can you share that is relevant to your problem? What can
you find out about its size and scope? What can be measured? (For example, the
amount of trash produced in Nairobi each day, the number of people without access to
clean water, etc.)
Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate is relevant, as it reflects the overall
economic conditions and potential for job creation. In recent years, GDP growth rates
have varied, but it was around 2-3% in 2022.
Underemployment, where individuals are working in jobs that do not fully utilize their
skills or education, is another important aspect. The underemployment rate was
reported at approximately 21% at that time.
Without having to come up with how to solve the problem, describe what the desired, solved
state looks like. Please use numbers wherever possible, and make your solved state specific
and measurable.
Example 1:
There would be a population of 10,000 healthy and protected white rhinos living in the wild in
Kenya.
Example 2:
All 5.8 million residents of Johannesburg would have affordable and consistently available power
from clean energy sources, 99.5% of the time.
Many more Nigerians would have access to stable and fulfilling jobs, leading to a
substantial decrease in poverty rates.
16. Are there other benefits that would come from your problem being solved? Name at
least one.
One significant benefit that would come from solving the problem of inadequate job
creation in Nigeria is the reduction in income inequality. As more job opportunities
become available and people gain access to stable employment, the income gap
between various segments of the population would narrow. This reduction in income
inequality has a ripple effect on society, leading to greater social cohesion and stability.
It can also lead to improved access to essential services, such as education and
healthcare, for those who were previously economically marginalized. Addressing the
problem of job creation contributes to a more equitable and inclusive society,
promoting overall well-being and prosperity for all.
You are more effective at solving a problem when you know where its limits are. That is, when
you know what is “in scope” and “out of scope.” For this reason, it is important to list what is out
of scope, or NOT included as part of your problem definition.
Example 1:
The scope of the problem does not cover any other animal species besides white rhinos. It does
not include white rhinos outside of Kenya.
Example 2:
The scope of the problem does not include any businesses or people outside of the
legally-defined Johannesburg city limits. It does not apply to tourists or visitors staying for less
than 1 year in Johannesburg.
While the need for skill development is acknowledged, the specific details of various
skills, certifications, or vocational training programs are not within the scope of this
problem statement.
Step 6: Areas for Learning
What do you not know or understand that you would like to know more about? This can be
anything related directly or indirectly to your problem. Let your curiosity run wild!
Example 1:
I’d like to know where most of the demand for rhino horn is coming from. I’d like to know who are
the primary buyers and who is behind the trafficking of rhino horn. I’d like to know how long the
average rhino’s lifespan is. I’d like to know how many babies a typical female rhino has, and how
many babies typically survive into adulthood. I’d like to know more about what diseases impact
rhinos. I’d like to know more about the kinds of habitats that rhinos thrive in. I’d like to understand
what international organizations do the best job supporting wildlife conservation and what their
practices are. I’d like to know what models of community involvement have been most successful
in keeping wildlife safe and thriving. I’d like to understand how much land is available in Kenya for
rhinos to roam.
Example 2:
I’d like to better understand the utility company Eskom and its history. I’d like to understand why
Eksom has failed to plan properly to update its infrastructure. I’d like to understand the
relationship between Eksom and the South African government. I’d like to know if there are private
utility companies providing competition to Eksom. I’d like to know what the latest breakthroughs
are in solar power. I’d like to know what other possible energy sources might be made available in
Johannesburg. I’d like to know how much energy tourists and temporary visitors use. I’d like to
better understand the process of how limited energy supply gets allocated to people and
businesses. I’d like to better understand the economic impact to people and businesses of not
having power.
18. What else would you like to know or understand better? (It can be anything related to
your problem.) List 5-10 things.
I'd like to understand the current unemployment and underemployment rates in Nigeria
and how they have evolved since my last knowledge update in January 2022.
I'd like to know about specific government programs and policies aimed at addressing
job creation, including their impact and effectiveness.
I'd like to gain insights into efforts to diversify Nigeria's economy away from oil
dependency and the impact of these diversification initiatives on job creation.
I'd like to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected job creation and
employment in Nigeria, including the recovery efforts and strategies.
I'd like to know more about educational and skills development programs designed to
enhance the employability of the Nigerian workforce.
I'd like to understand initiatives promoting entrepreneurship and supporting small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a means of job creation.
I'd like to have an update on the trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria and
its impact on job creation.
I'd like to gain insights into regional variations in job creation challenges, as Nigeria is a
diverse country with varying economic conditions across regions.
I'd like to understand private sector-driven efforts to create jobs and their success in
doing so.
This step is the culmination of all you have done in Part A. You will synthesize the work you have
done above to create a problem statement of 150 - 250 words. This should be in narrative form,
2-4 paragraphs, and should NOT use bullet points.
Example :
Kenya’s white rhinos are in critical danger of extinction. There are currently about 880 white rhinos
in the country of Kenya, per Wikipedia. According to Chat GPT, Rhinos are considered a keystone
species, meaning they have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem compared to
their population size. Rhinos help shape their environment by influencing vegetation growth and
acting as seed dispersers, which creates habitat for other species (per ChatGPT).
The extinction of white rhinos would have cascading effects on other plant and animal species in
their habitat. According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, rhinos’ presence in reserves and parks bring
millions of tourists each year, contributing to local economies and supporting conservation
efforts. Once a species goes extinct, it is gone forever. The extinction of rhinos would represent
the loss of millions of years of evolutionary history, and unique genetic diversity that science has
yet to fully understand and benefit from (per ChatGPT).
My problem would be considered solved when the population of wild, white rhinos in Kenya
reaches 10,000, and when all imminent threats to their population including poaching and habitat
destruction are not present. If this were the reality, it would create ecosystem balance, create
large revenues from ecotourism, preserve important cultural symbols, and allow for genetic
diversity that could benefit humanity in ways we may not yet fully understand.
Sources:
Kenya Wildlife Services Annual Report 2017, https://www.kws.go.ke/content/annual-reports
ChatGPT, https://chat.openai.com/
“White Rhinoceros”, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_rhinoceros
The problem at hand is a deep and widespread one of insufficient job creation in
Nigeria, a challenge that directly affects tens of millions of Nigerians and indirectly has
far-reaching consequences for the entire country. With unemployment at around 27%
and youth unemployment at around 50%, the scale of this problem is profound. This
issue is important not only for economic reasons but also for the country's social
fabric, affecting families, communities and regions, as well as for the country's overall
stability. (per ChatGPT)
The costs of this problem are multifaceted and include economic instability, rising
poverty rates, and increased social unrest. This hinders economic growth, weakens the
country's potential and stifles the aspirations of a growing young population. This
perpetuates a vicious cycle of frustration, economic and social inequality, and limited
access to essential services. If the problem is resolved, Nigeria will experience
transformational change. The country's economy will become more stable and
stronger, providing more job opportunities. Poverty rates will decrease significantly and
the quality of life of millions of Nigerians will improve. (per ChatGPT)
Additionally, the prospect of reduced social unrest and increased national pride will
promote a better and more prosperous future for the nation as a whole.The gap
between current reality and desired outcomes is huge, making addressing this issue
imperative for Nigeria's growth, stability and development.
20. Please list all sources that you used to form your problem statement:
ChatGPT, https://chat.openai.com/
Please go back to Canvas and continue with your learning content. You will
be prompted on when to return to complete Section B.
Based on what you have learned so far and on ‘Step 6: Areas for Learning’ from this worksheet,
come up with 3 research questions. Research questions should be complex enough that they
can’t be answered by a single Google search. If appropriate, form a hypothesis that your
research may confirm or reject. (As a reminder, a hypothesis is a prediction of how you think
your research will answer your research question. It is your best guess. If you truly have
absolutely no idea, state “not applicable.”)
Hypothesis:
Unrecognized obstacles specific to Nigeria's marginalized communities impede their access
to job opportunities. These obstacles include cultural prejudices, limited resource availability,
and uneven access to education and training.
What is the effect of informal job networks and contacts on employment and job creation in
Nigerian urban centers?
Hypothesis:
In Nigeria's urban regions, informal job networks and connections which are influenced by
social capital and local economic dynamics have a substantial and complex effect in helping
or impeding the establishment of jobs and employment.
To what extent does political instability and corruption influence job creation and
sustainability in Nigeria?
Hypothesis:
The level of political instability and corruption in Nigeria has a measurable impact on job
creation and the long-term sustainability of jobs, affecting investment, business growth, and
economic stability in the country.
Please go back to Canvas and continue with your learning content. You will
be prompted on when to return to complete Section C.
Faith Amachi
Adeyinka Adamu
They noted that my stated problem was really of grave importance especially given the
situation of the Nigerian Economy.
They also said while not fully feasible, a small scale approach to it might be the best
starting point.
26.Was their feedback useful to you? Did it feel kind? Why or why not?
Yes it felt kind. They appeared empathetic and gave me constructive criticism while not
trying to brush off anything I stated as impossible. They were also really helpful in
providing their own opinions on the situation.
27.Who did you give feedback to? (Give the first and last names of 2 peers- they may be
the same or different peers from above.)
Faith Amachi
Emmanuel Madubuobi
28.Do you feel that you gave useful and kind feedback to your peers? Why or why not?
Yes I gave them useful and kind feedback. I took my queues from the lessons in
module 2 and 3 and I did my best to remain empathetic and gave my full support and
focus to their problem statements. I also provided a few pointers which did not come
across as judgemental or confronting. After my feedback, they both thanked me for my
input warmly.
After you updated earlier parts of the worksheet based on your feedback,
please go back to Canvas and continue with your learning content. Return to
Part E prior to submitting your milestone.
PART D: Daily 3 Challenge Report
Please answer the following questions honestly. There are no wrong answers! This is your
opportunity for self-reflection.
29. How many days out of the past 7 did you do 20 minutes of movement?
7
30. How many days out of the past 7 did you write 3 morning pages?
7
31. Overall, how do you feel you are doing on building your Daily 3 habits? Explain.
I feel excited and really inspired to continue this journey I started with the help of this
program. The first week has been a joy and I have noticed a lot of improvement both
physically and mentally.
33. If you have been practicing at least some movement and/or morning pages:
A) What effect (if any) have you noticed on your mood, focus, and productivity?
Improved mental energy, physical energy is higher. I can concentrate and focus better
at different tasks I put my mind to. My mind has been cleared and I always feel positive.
Less negative thought processes as well.
34. If you haven’t been practicing any movement and morning pages, what would
motivate you to get started?
Once you have completed this worksheet, export/convert to .pdf, rename it per the
instructions, and upload to Canvas as your Milestone 3 Submission. Celebrate a job well done!