Minister of Education questions mismatch between degrees and jobs at higher education convening

Story By: Deborah Adorsu

Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu is questioning the growing mismatch between higher education and the job market, as graduate unemployment in Africa remains between 23 and 30 percent despite vacancies in technical and digital fields.

Speaking at the 1st Higher Education Transformation Convening in Accra, Mr Iddrisu said universities and colleges continue to produce graduates in traditional programmes while industry struggles to find talent for skills in technology, engineering, data and green jobs.

He said the disconnect raises concerns about curriculum relevance, industry linkages and the employability of graduates, noting that compound interest on student loans becomes more burdensome when graduates leave school without jobs.

According to the Minister, government under President John Dramani Mahama is prioritising investment in technical and vocational education and training as the future of addressing unemployment.

He also reaffirmed government’s commitment to academic freedom while urging university councils to drive transformation that produces job creators and not just job seekers.

The Higher Education Transformation Convening brought together policymakers, university leaders, development partners and industry players to discuss curriculum reform, financing, digital learning and stronger partnerships between academia and industry.