A Nigerian education system stuck in the past is crippling young people’s job prospects, says Dr Oyedele Ogundana, a senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University in the UK. The scholar points fingers at outdated curricula that haven’t kept pace with changing global economic realities.
Outdated curricula: a roadblock to employability
Nigerian students graduate with degrees that are increasingly irrelevant in today’s fast-paced work environment, Dr Ogundana warns. “The Nigerian education system is not preparing students for the reality of the global job market,” he says. “We need to update our curricula to reflect the changing world we live in.”
For instance, Dr Ogundana highlights the lack of emphasis on skills like data analytics, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship, which are now essential for most industries. He argues that Nigerian students are struggling to compete with their international peers, who have had access to more modern and relevant education systems.
Nigeria’s education system: a global collaboration opportunity
Dr Ogundana suggests that Nigeria can learn from other countries’ successful education systems. “We need to collaborate with international partners to update our curricula and make them more relevant to the needs of the 21st century,” he says. “This will enable us to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the global job market.”
The scholar points to the UK’s own education system as a model to follow. “In the UK, we regularly review and update our curricula to ensure they remain relevant to the needs of industry,” Dr Ogundana explains. “We also encourage collaboration between universities and employers to ensure that students are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.”
A call to action: update Nigerian curricula
Dr Ogundana’s message is clear: Nigerian education authorities must take urgent action to update the country’s outdated curricula. “We need to prioritize the development of skills that are in demand in the global job market, such as data analytics, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship,” he says. “By doing so, we can equip our students with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.”
What this means: Nigerian students and employers will benefit from more relevant education, leading to improved employability and economic growth.
