Social commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has urged Nigerian students to prioritise practical skills over academic degrees that risk becoming “obsolete” in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
Omokri in a fresh social media nuget, cautioned young people against pursuing courses with limited job prospects, saying those who graduate unemployed from such programmes should “blame themselves, not the government.”
“If you spend four years studying Philosophy or Sociology and then struggle to find work, that sin is on you,” Omokri said. “Yes, sin! AI is advancing rapidly, and many traditional degrees simply don’t prepare students for the modern economy.”
He pointed to successful entrepreneurs like fashion designer Seyi Vodi and tech innovator Peller as examples of individuals who have thrived through skills rather than conventional degrees. “Peller’s annual tax bill alone is assessed at ₦36 million—that should tell you where the opportunities lie,” Omokri remarked.
The author and political analyst argued that vocational training and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields offer more secure career paths. “Why waste years on anachronistic courses with no relevance today, let alone tomorrow, when AI will be even more dominant?” he asked.
His comments come amid growing debates about education reform in Nigeria, where youth unemployment remains high despite increasing university enrolment.
While some critics argue that humanities and social sciences retain value, Omokri insists adaptability is key. “The world is changing,” he said. “Students must change with it—or face the consequences.”
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