The surge in unemployment, particularly among educated youths has become a matter of grave concern. Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud cogently underscored the underlying issue of the unplanned expansion of the country’s education system. Speaking at a discussion marking World Teachers’ Day, the adviser pointed out the mushroom growth of universities in various districts without generating corresponding job opportunities, leading to an increasing number of unemployed graduates. His observation sheds light on a serious disparity between the country’s educational output and the demand of the job market.
Although expanding access to education is necessary for the country’s development, the current approach lacks strategic direction. The sheer number of graduates entering the workforce without applicable skills for existing jobs has generated a surplus of educated yet unemployed people. This disconnection between education and employment not only wastes human capital but also contributes to social frustration and economic instability.
At the core of the problem is the absence of a comprehensive, well-planned national education policy. The establishment of universities and colleges is unquestionably essential, but this expansion must be aligned with the country’s economic needs. Graduates are stepping into a growing competitive job market that prioritises solid skills and adaptability— qualities often missing from traditional academic programmes. The system’s importance on degrees rather than job-oriented skills training is proving insufficient in preparing students for employment, intensifying the problem of educated unemployment.
Wahiduddin’s speech touched upon the need for an
updated school curriculum that reflects the nation’s
historical movement and nation-building effort.
Integrating these elements into the curriculum
would enhance students’ understanding of their
national identity and promote civil engagement
Beyond weakness in the education system, Wahiduddin also emphasised the issue of insufficient government funding. Revenue collection of the country remains well below international standards, limiting investment in crucial sectors like education, health and social security. Even with the expansion of educational infrastructure, restricted resources mean that the education’s quality remains compromised. He hinted that reducing corruption and growing efficiency in government spending could free up significant funds to improve education, but such reforms will take time to implement
Wahiduddin’s speech touched upon the need for an updated school curriculum that reflects the nation’s historical movement and nation-building effort. Integrating these elements into the curriculum would enhance students’ understanding of their national identity and promote civil engagement. However, given the time constraints and the lengthy process revising textbooks, these updates may not be introduced immediately. This highlights another weakness in the education system: the incapability to rapidly adapt to changing societal and market demand.
One of Wahiduddin’s most significant points was the necessity of formulating an inclusive and forward-looking national education policy. Such a policy would prioritise the expansion of education and the alignment of curricula with market needs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with solid skills for employment. This vision must focus on building partnerships between educational advancement into learning. A strategic approach to education will be key to reducing the gap between the number of graduates and available job opportunities.
Furthermore, Wahiduddin’s suggestion that universities adopt their own codes of conduct for students and faculty is an idea worth considering. By permitting institutions to develop context-specific guidelines, universities may modify their academic and disciplinary framework to better meet their existing challenges. This autonomy could encourage innovation and improve the awareness of universities to the demand of the modern workforce.
Although the educational institutions’ expansion has brought education to the doorstep of many, it has also exposed deep flaws in planning and execution. The government must urgently address the disconnection between education and employment, skill development and market relevance. Only by aligning education with the nation’s economic and societal needs may we ensure that the investment in education pays off in the form of a skilled, employed workforce. Failure to do so risks turning an entire generation of educated youths into a source of available potential and rising dissatisfaction.
