Backlash Trails Alausa’s Remarks on Social Science Courses Amid Job Concerns

Comments by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, suggesting limited job prospects for students studying social sciences have sparked widespread criticism from academics, policy experts, and labour stakeholders.

Alausa made the remarks during an interaction with students at the University of Abuja as part of the Renewed Hope Conversations. He advised students to embrace entrepreneurship, warning that many pursuing social science disciplines may struggle to find jobs in the future.

“We are training you not to be job seekers but entrepreneurs. A lot of you doing social science courses, with all due respect, there are not going to be jobs for you in the future,” he said.

The minister also revealed that the Federal Government is considering scrapping certain academic programmes with low employment prospects. He explained that the move is part of efforts to align Nigeria’s education system with global standards, labour market needs, and emerging areas of innovation. According to him, outdated courses would be replaced with disciplines that offer more practical, job-ready skills.

He further noted that underemployment remains a major issue in Nigeria, with over 90 per cent of jobs in the informal sector, leaving many graduates—both in STEM and non-STEM fields—either underutilised or working outside their areas of study.

However, his comments have reignited debate over the direction of Nigeria’s education policy, particularly concerns about the disconnect between university curricula and the realities of the job market.

Critics argue that the minister’s statement oversimplifies a complex employment crisis driven largely by structural economic challenges rather than the choice of academic discipline. They also pointed out that the high number of students in social sciences is often due to limited capacity in STEM programmes, not a lack of interest.

Stakeholders who spoke to The Guardian urged the government to focus on strengthening the link between education and industry, updating curricula, and creating more opportunities for graduates across all fields, rather than dismissing entire disciplines.

They also warned that such remarks could discourage prospective students and reinforce negative perceptions about non-STEM courses.

Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, Prof. Majority Oji, stressed that the future workforce will require skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and communication—areas where social science graduates often excel. He added that while STEM fields drive innovation, they do not fully address the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of development.

Similarly, National Mobilisation Officer of the Education Rights Campaign, Michael Adaramoye, described the minister’s comments as troubling, noting that the real issue lies in the lack of an enabling environment for graduates across all disciplines. He called for increased investment in infrastructure, stronger institutions, and policies that promote innovation and career growth.

Public affairs analyst Ifeanyi Nwoko also rejected the claim that social sciences lack market relevance, highlighting their importance in sectors such as public policy, finance, development, and technology. He noted that areas like market research, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement rely heavily on social science expertise.

According to him, understanding social dynamics is crucial for investor confidence, successful project implementation, and effective public-private partnerships.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) offered a more supportive view of the minister’s position. Its Public Relations Officer, Samson Adeyemi, said social science courses are often seen as less demanding compared to STEM fields and suggested that the minister’s remarks reflect practical realities.

However, he also urged caution, noting that statements from high-ranking officials carry significant influence and should be carefully framed.