Calls are intensifying from education experts, government officials, and industry stakeholders for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s university system to better equip graduates with entrepreneurial skills critical for national development and job creation.
Speaking at a recent education summit in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Patricia Okeke, stressed the urgent need to align university curricula with the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy. She argued that fostering entrepreneurship within academic institutions will empower youths to become job creators rather than job seekers.
“Universities must move beyond traditional academic knowledge and embrace practical skills that stimulate innovation and business acumen,” Dr. Okeke said. “This shift is vital for addressing Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis and building a resilient economy.”
Experts at the forum highlighted challenges such as outdated curricula, inadequate funding, and insufficient industry linkages that have hindered the development of entrepreneurial competencies among students. They recommended increased collaboration between universities, the private sector, and government to create incubation hubs, mentorship programs, and skills acquisition centers.
Professor Chinedu Eze, a leading education specialist, emphasized the role of technology and digital literacy in modern entrepreneurship education. “Our universities should leverage technology to provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the digital economy,” he said.
The call for reform is also backed by private sector leaders who noted that graduates often lack practical experience and entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are key to Nigeria’s economic growth.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, stakeholders agree that revamping the higher education system to prioritize entrepreneurship will foster innovation, reduce dependency on government jobs, and accelerate socio-economic transformation.
The Ministry of Education plans to convene a task force to develop strategic reforms and policy recommendations aimed at integrating entrepreneurship deeply into the academic experience across all universities.
