Curriculum overhaul: Addressing the mismatch between education and industry needs

Nigeria’s education system has long been plagued by various challenges, but the current state of affairs is alarming. Regrettably, a growing number of graduates from tertiary institutions  are increasingly being criticised for lack of knowledge and skills in their respective fields.

The crux of the matter lies in the failure of our tertiary institutions to impart the requisite knowledge and skills to their students.

This grievous oversight has resulted in a generation of graduates who are ill-equipped to meet the demands of their respective professions. The ramifications of this educational deficit are far-reaching, as it not only undermines the credibility of our educational institutions but also hampers the overall progress and development of our nation.

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the relevance of traditional academic curricula is being questioned. Nigerian universities, while imparting knowledge, often fall short in equipping students with the practical skills demanded by employers.

Tertiary institutions in Nigeria play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country by providing higher education and producing skilled professionals. However, there is a growing concern that these institutions are not teaching the right curriculum, which calls for urgent reformation.

Undoubtedly, the current curriculum in many Nigerian tertiary institutions is outdated and does not align with the rapidly changing needs of the job market. As a result, graduates often lack the necessary skills and knowledge required by employers, leading to high rates of unemployment.

Though, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced the implementation of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) by September 2023.

This groundbreaking document is expected to serve as a guiding framework for institutions in designing their curricula, fostering innovation, and positioning Nigerian universities among the best-rated in Africa.

During a stakeholders’ colloquium on CCMAS held in Abuja on Wednesday, the acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, expressed his optimism about the transformative impact of this initiative.

He emphasised that the CCMAS would constitute 70 per cent of the curriculum, while universities would have the autonomy to determine the remaining 30 per cent.The introduction of CCMAS is poised to revolutionise the Nigerian higher education landscape, ensuring that universities align their programs with global standards while incorporating local context and needs.

As the September 2023 deadline approaches, Nigerian universities are gearing up to embrace this transformative change. The implementation of CCMAS marks a significant milestone in the nation’s higher education sector, promising to elevate the quality and relevance of academic programs and position Nigerian universities as beacons of excellence in Africa.

With advancements in technology and automation, the skills required for various professions are constantly evolving. However, the traditional curriculum often fails to keep up with these changes, resulting in a gap between what students learn in school and what employers expect from them.

By prioritising curriculum overhaul, educational institutions can ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge that are in demand in the job market. This can be achieved by incorporating more practical and industry-relevant courses into the curriculum. For example, including internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on projects can provide students with real-world experience and make them more job-ready.Moreover, a job-oriented curriculum can also help address the issue of unemployment and underemployment.

Many graduates struggle to find suitable employment opportunities because they lack the skills and experience required by employers.

By aligning the curriculum with the needs of the job market, educational institutions can bridge this gap and increase the employability of their graduates.

Tertiary institutions in Nigeria often lack collaboration with industries. This means that they do not have a clear understanding of the skills and knowledge required by industries. Without this collaboration, it becomes difficult for institutions to update their curriculum and provide students with the necessary skills for the job market.

Tertiary institutions in Nigeria often face resource constraints, including inadequate funding, outdated facilities, and a lack of modern equipment. These limitations make it challenging for institutions to provide students with hands-on training and practical experiences that are essential for meeting industry needs.

Many teachers in tertiary institutions in Nigeria may not have the necessary training or exposure to industry practices. This can result in a lack of understanding of industry needs and an inability to effectively teach students the skills required by the job market. The rapid advancement of technology has significantly impacted industries, requiring new skills and knowledge.

However, many tertiary institutions in Nigeria have been slow to adopt and integrate technology into their curriculum. This further widens the gap between education and industry needs.

Therefore, addressing the mismatch between education and industry needs in Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach that involves various stakeholders, including the government, educational institutions, industry leaders, and students.

Establishing strong partnerships between educational institutions and industries can be done through internships, apprenticeships, and industry-driven curriculum development. Industry professionals can be invited to serve as guest lecturers or mentors, providing students with real-world insights and practical skills.

This can be achieved by involving industry experts in curriculum development committees, conducting industry surveys, and incorporating emerging technologies and skills into the curriculum.

Promoting vocational and technical education can help address the skills gap in specific industries. This can be done by establishing vocational training centers, providing specialized courses, and offering certifications that are recognized by industries.

Also, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver industry-relevant education is crucial, providing regular training and professional development opportunities for teachers can help them stay updated with industry trends and teaching methodologies.

Encouraging entrepreneurship education can help students develop the skills and mindset required to start their own businesses or contribute to the growth of existing industries, it can be done by incorporating entrepreneurship courses, organizing business plan competitions, and providing mentorship and funding opportunities for student startups.

To bridge the gap between academia and the job market, Nigerian universities must adopt a more practical and industry-relevant approach to education. This can be achieved through curriculum reforms that prioritise hands-on training, internships, and industry collaborations. By incorporating technological advancements, fostering entrepreneurial skills, and conducting industry-relevant research, universities can produce graduates who are well-prepared to meet the demands of the job market and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth. It is imperative for educational institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to work together to ensure that Nigerian graduates possess the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the ever-evolving job market.