Education — particularly higher education — is hailed as the marker and the epitome of enlightenment and a better life.
The situation of the education sector in Saudi Arabia is also very encouraging as the number of universities has increased in recent years and there is a corresponding wave of students coming to fill them.
According to the statistics issued by the Ministry of Higher Education, enrollments in universities have reached around 80,000 and there are still more spots that eager students could fill.
A number of these students will have the distinction of being the first in their families to attain post-secondary education – a justified source of pride and achievement. But there is one question that threatens to mar the optimism of this trend: Will career prospects in Saudi Arabia meet the hopes and expectations of this bright, young, well-educated generation? Sadly, the answer at this point is no.
By encouraging youths to participate in higher education; we are making a promise that we cannot keep. Dedicating years of one’s life to tertiary education should naturally yield the appropriate reward – secure employment in one’s chosen field. That is something that we are unable to provide at present, thus creating a sense of futility in students and in society at large. And we all know that youth unemployment leads to a deluge of social problems. Perhaps in a best-case scenario, unemployed youth become “perpetual students,” acquiring one degree after another in an attempt to make themselves more employable. But what about those who give up completely, becoming dejected and anti-social?
Part of the problem may be in perception. All of us – parents and teachers as well as students themselves – must be disabused of the notion that just any university degree provides jobs. In this job market and with the number of students attaining degrees in humanities, this simply isn’t true.
Expanding one’s mind and following one’s interests while in university is an attractive notion but it doesn’t help increase employability. In fact, we have a shortage of students with a technical or mathematical background or proficiency in English, any of which might allow them to address actual needs of the labor market. It is important, therefore, to steer students in the right direction in order for them to enhance their employability.
We also need to re-examine the notion that a university education is the right path for every student. We must understand that people’s propensities and abilities are different. Learning a trade might be a much better choice for some students and may offer them a satisfying and lucrative career. As parents and teachers, we simply must get over this idea that a university degree is for everyone, or that any university degree prepares one for employment. It has never been less true. It is time to face the reality and to give our students the advice that will truly help them find their way.
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