The Social Science Academy of Nigeria (SSAN) has sharply criticised Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, over his recent claim that Nigeria has produced excess social science graduates.
The Minister’s comments came during an event in Abuja on April 30, 2025, where he argued that universities should shift their focus to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, as social science graduates have saturated the job market.
According to Dr Alausa, the country urgently needs problem solvers rather than more job seekers in an already oversaturated labour market.
However, SSAN’s President, Professor Chike Okolocha, refuted the Minister’s position, describing it as “anti-intellectual” and unsupported by facts.
Okolocha also pointed out that the Minister failed to provide any data on the current number of social science graduates in the country or what should be considered a “desirable” number.
The SSAN believes social sciences are crucial for addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, insecurity, political instability, and social inequality.
The Academy argued that social science disciplines, which emerged from efforts to understand and solve societal problems, continue to play a vital role in addressing modern issues like insurgency, gender exclusion, and illegal migration.
SSAN also stated the success of prominent Nigerians like Aliko Dangote, Jim Ovia, and Tony Elumelu, who all studied social science courses and have significantly contributed to the country’s economy.
The Academy pointed out that the problem is not the number of social science graduates but rather the lack of government investment in quality education and the failure to create sufficient job opportunities.
While agreeing that there should be an increase in STEM graduates, SSAN emphasised that this should not come at the expense of social science education, which is integral to Nigeria’s development and security.
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