…as Nigerians expose high rate of unemployment, poor funding of Technical Colleges, others
By Wilson Afolabi
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is facing mounting criticism after stating that Nigeria lacks skilled artisans and that the country’s youth are not equipped for the demands of the modern economy.
Speaking on the Afropolitan Podcast, Alausa said the earning potential of skilled workers can sometimes surpass that of professionals traditionally regarded as more prestigious.
Alausa drew a comparison between Nigeria and the United States to underline what he described as a structural problem in the country’s workforce.
“In America, Europe or anywhere, a plumber earns more than a doctor, an electrician earns more than a lawyer. So what are we talking about here?”
He recalled a situation where Nigerians building houses could not find enough local artisans for jobs such as tiling and screeding, forcing them to bring workers from neighbouring countries.
“We were going to Cotonou, to Togo to bring these people in.”
Alausa also recalled that Aliko Dangote faced a similar challenge while constructing his refinery, saying the businessman had to bring in almost 22,000 artisans from outside Nigeria.
“It was like we’re suffering in the midst of plenty. Suffering, severe, debilitating suffering in the midst of plenty.”
The minister said his appointment as Minister of Education gave him an opportunity to address the problem by considering Nigeria’s unique demographics.
“Nigeria is a unique demography: 220 million people, 70% of that population below the ages of 30 years old.”
He said the huge young population presents Nigeria with an opportunity to equip its people with practical skills that are in demand, rather than focusing only on conventional academic qualifications.
The comment, which was widely shared on social media within hours, has triggered sharp reactions from youth groups, Labour Unions, and education stakeholders who accused the ministry of shifting blame onto young Nigerians instead of addressing systemic failures.
Pundits argue that the statement overlooks the reality of graduate unemployment, poor funding for technical colleges, and the limited access to apprenticeship and certification programs across the country.
On X and Facebook, thousands of young Nigerians responded with personal stories of applying for vocational jobs and being asked for experience they could not get without training.
“This is not about lack of skills, it is about lack of opportunity,” said a spokesperson for a coalition of youth advocacy groups. “You cannot tell 250 million people they are unskilled while shutting down technical colleges and failing to fund the ones that exist.”
The reference to the Dangote Refinery also drew attention. The 650,000-barrel-per-day facility in Lagos has been cited in previous debates about foreign labor in mega-projects.
While the company has not confirmed the exact figure of 22,000 foreign workers quoted by the minister, industry observers note that specialized welding, pipe-fitting and instrumentation roles often require certifications that are scarce in Nigeria.
Labour unionists said the minister’s remarks highlight a long-standing gap that government policy has failed to close.
“We have artisans, but they are not certified, not insured, and not linked to industry,” a senior official of the Nigeria Labour Congress said, adding that: “Instead of insulting our youths, government should build the pipeline.”
The Ministry of Education has in the last year rolled out plans to revamp technical and vocational education and training, TVET, with a target to enroll 2 million students by 2027.
Alausa has repeatedly said the current university-focused system produces too many graduates with degrees that do not match industry needs, and that Nigeria must dignify trades the way developed economies do.
In his speech, the minister pointed to the U.S. model where skilled trades are licensed, well-paid, and socially respected. He argued that until Nigeria changes its cultural attitude toward artisans, the country will continue to import labour for major projects even with a large population.
Education experts say there is data to support part of the minister’s argument. The National Bureau of Statistics has consistently reported youth unemployment above 8 percent, while employers in construction, manufacturing and energy complain of a shortage of certified technicians. However, analysts also warn that blaming young people without matching it with funding and infrastructure risks deepening frustration.
A lawmaker who spoke to our Correspondent on grounds of anonymity hinted that the national assembly may have to invite the minister to brief lawmakers on the ministry’s TVET roadmap and on plans to partner with industry to create apprenticeship slots.
So far, the comment has reignited a national conversation about the value of skills versus degrees, and about who bears responsibility for fixing it. As one Lagos-based electrician posted online, “We are here. Train us, certify us, pay us, and you won’t need to look to Togo.”
The Ministry of Education has not issued a formal clarification as of press time.
