Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide and social commentator, has stirred conversations once again by advising Nigerians on courses they should avoid if they do not want to experience poverty. According to Omokri, certain university degrees do not provide the financial security and job opportunities that many graduates expect.
In a video shared via his Facebook page, Omokri emphasized that skilled workers often fare better than those with advanced degrees in certain fields. He argued that being truly educated means having a craft or skill that enables one to create jobs rather than relying on external employment opportunities.
Craft Over Paper Degrees
Omokri defined a craft as “a profession, a skill, the knowledge you can use independently to make a living without depending on anybody.” He pointed out that technical and vocational skills provide individuals with economic independence, making them more financially secure than those with degrees in less marketable fields.
He listed careers such as rate-technicians, coders, cloud computing experts, blockchain developers, and nurses as examples of professions that offer stability and high earning potential. In contrast, he argued that PhD holders in sociology, political science, anthropology, library science, philosophy, and international relations often struggle to secure well-paying jobs.
The Reality of the Job Market
Omokri warned that graduates of these courses frequently end up with nothing but certificates and no independent means to sustain themselves. He stated:
“You need a job, and jobs in those areas are very limited. That’s why a lot of people are broke. A lot of people are disgusted because they have these degrees and they think that these degrees make them entitled to jobs. But the only job you are entitled to is the job that you can create yourself.”
According to Omokri, a major issue with many traditional university degrees is that they do not equip graduates with practical skills to generate income independently. Instead, they produce individuals who remain dependent on employers in a highly competitive job market with limited opportunities.
Global Acceptance of Skilled Workers
Omokri further noted that skilled professions are widely accepted globally, whereas university degrees often lose their value when one relocates to another country. He encouraged Nigerians to consider alternative education paths that focus on skill acquisition rather than solely pursuing conventional degrees that may not guarantee employment or financial stability.
Conclusion
Reno Omokri’s statements highlight the ongoing debate about the relevance of certain university degrees in today’s economy. While higher education remains essential, he suggests that Nigerians should prioritize acquiring practical skills and crafts that offer better job security and financial independence. His advice underscores the importance of aligning education with the demands of the modern job market to avoid financial struggles in the future.
I don’t think there should be alteration in terms of age and I thank the court for their immediate intervention ✔🙏