The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has urged Nigerian university graduates to reconsider the rising trend of abandoning their qualifications in pursuit of low-paying jobs overseas, warning that such decisions could render their years of academic investment futile.
Addressing concerns over the increasing number of young Nigerians seeking greener pastures abroad, Dr. Alausa described the phenomenon as worrisome and counterproductive, especially when many end up in jobs that neither reflect their qualifications nor offer long-term career growth.
“It is disheartening to see our graduates travel abroad—particularly to countries like the UK—only to end up working as cleaners, clerks, or in other menial roles. After spending so much time, money, and effort on earning a degree, it is a tragedy to trade that for what I consider a subhuman life,” the minister lamented.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that rather than leaving the country, Nigerian youths should focus on unlocking the untapped opportunities within their homeland. According to him, foreign nationals from countries such as China, Lebanon, and several European nations are increasingly investing in Nigeria because they recognize its vast economic potential.
“We need to open our eyes. The people coming here—Chinese, Europeans, Lebanese—they are not doing it because they fancy us. They’re coming because they see value and opportunity in our land. Meanwhile, our own young people are looking for the next flight out. That’s not right,” he said.
The minister further noted that while it is understandable for young people to desire a better quality of life, the notion that success can only be achieved abroad is misleading. He called on Nigerian graduates to harness their creativity, develop entrepreneurial mindsets, and actively contribute to nation-building.
“This is your country. This is your land. Don’t abandon it. We must stop running. Let’s think differently, let’s work smart, and let’s stop being lazy. There are so many opportunities around us—we just need to start seeing them and acting on them,” he added passionately.
Dr. Alausa’s comments come amid a significant rise in student and work migration from Nigeria to Western nations in recent years. Data from international education bodies show a surge in Nigerian applications to universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, with many citing limited job prospects and economic challenges at home as reasons for emigrating.
However, the minister insisted that leaving the country for low-skilled jobs abroad does not offer the dignity or growth that a graduate deserves. He urged the youth to stay, engage, and become drivers of the change they want to see in the nation.
“The future of this country lies in your hands,” he said. “If we all keep running, who will stay back to fix things?”
