Fresh controversy has erupted over remarks by Nigeria's Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who stated that students pursuing social science courses may face limited job opportunities. The comments, made during an engagement with University of Abuja students at the Renewed Hope Conversations, have drawn sharp criticism from academics, policy analysts, and labour experts. They argue that the minister's assertion oversimplifies a complex employment crisis rooted in structural economic weaknesses.
Minister's Remarks Spark Debate
Dr. Alausa, a medical doctor turned politician, told students: "We are training you not to be job seekers but entrepreneurs. A lot of you doing social science courses, with all due respect to you, there are not going to be jobs for you in the future." He further revealed that the government plans to discontinue academic programmes with limited employment prospects, aligning the education system with global standards and labour market demands. Programmes deemed outdated would be replaced with disciplines equipping students with practical skills for today's economy. He noted that underemployment remains widespread, with over 90% of jobs in the informal sector, and many graduates across STEM and non-STEM fields are underutilised.
Backlash from Academics and Analysts
Industry stakeholders contend that rather than dismissing entire fields of study, the minister should focus on strengthening education-industry linkages, improving curriculum relevance, and expanding opportunities across sectors. They warn that such statements could discourage prospective students and deepen biases against non-STEM disciplines.
Professor Majority Oji, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, emphasised that the future of work favours individuals with critical thinking, adaptability, and strong communication skills. He noted that social science graduates thrive across sectors, often working alongside technical experts to translate innovation into real-world impact. While STEM fields drive technological advancement, they do not sufficiently address societal, ethical, and policy implications.
Michael Adaramoye 'Lenin', National Mobilisation Officer of the Education Rights Campaign, described the minister's remark as worrisome, raising concerns about education policy inclusiveness. He argued that the real challenge lies in the lack of an enabling environment for graduates across fields, calling for increased investment in infrastructure, stronger institutional frameworks, and policies supporting innovation and professional growth.
Public affairs analyst Ifeanyi Nwoko dismissed the claim that social science courses are not market-relevant, calling it a hasty generalisation. He highlighted that social science graduates play key roles in public policy, development, finance, and technology, particularly in market analysis, user research, and regulatory compliance. In economic development and public-private partnerships, social sciences remain indispensable, as investor confidence, stakeholder engagement, and community acceptance depend on understanding social dynamics.
NANS Supports Minister
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has backed the minister. Its Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, who holds degrees in Political Science and Public Administration up to PhD level, contended that social science courses are often perceived as less rigorous than STEM fields. He stated that the minister's comments reflect practical reality rather than discrimination, but advised greater caution given the influence of his office.
