Dozens of Najaf graduates stage protest demanding public sector jobs

NAJAF — Dozens of graduates from the College of Administration and Economics gathered Saturday in Al-Sadreen Square in central Najaf, staging a protest to demand inclusion in the recent government recruitment lists that favored other specialties. The demonstrators voiced their frustrations over the years spent in academia without the prospect of employment or opportunities in the private sector, unaffected by nepotism.

Hundreds of graduates converged on Al-Sadreen Square with banners stating, “The education sector in Najaf needs us, but the government ignores us.” Photos from the scene highlighted the scale of the demonstration and the urgency of the graduates’ demands.

Sadiq Al-Jubouri, a protesting graduate, told 964media, “I joined the protest after losing hope of finding a job in Najaf. I don’t have connections like some of those who were appointed.”

“I graduated from the College of Administration and Economics four years ago, and until now, neither I nor my peers have found any opportunities. We feel that our time in the College of Administration and Economics was wasted,” Al-Jubouri added.

Ali Ahmad, another protester, questioned the purpose of having colleges of administration and economics if their graduates cannot secure employment to practice their specialization. “Many talk about working in the private sector, but employers demand more than two years of experience, plus nepotism plays a role in securing any opportunity,” Ahmad said.

The demonstrators are calling for “equal” treatment in government recruitment drives that often hire from some departments and areas of study more than others. Iraq’s public sector is famously bloated, reflecting a systemic issue that has led to what many experts say is an unsustainable wage bill, marking the largest item of state expenditure.