Stakeholders in the education sector have called for a shift towards skills-driven learning as a strategic response to rising employment gap in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Clement Kolawole, said universities must move beyond theoretical teaching and focus on producing solution-oriented graduates equipped with practical competencies.
Kolawole noted that the increasing rate of unemployment requires urgent intervention from higher institutions, stressing that education must be aligned with real-world demands.
“University education is not a guarantee of a job, but the acquisition of skills and knowledge that enable individuals to make meaningful impact,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of innovation, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that graduates must be trained to think creatively and solve real-life problems.
“We need students who can solve real-world problems and deploy their intellect, creativity, and skills to make impact and contribute to lifting humanity,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Trinity University to producing graduates who will contribute meaningfully to national development, while calling for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and other stakeholders.
Kolawole added that the university has introduced new academic programmes, including cybersecurity, biochemistry, tourism and hospitality management, as well as courier and logistics management, in line with global trends and societal needs.
Students of the university, Chidilim Eke and Donald Uchechi, said the programme has enabled many undergraduates to become financially independent and less reliant on parental support.
They added that the initiative has not only improved their entrepreneurial capacity but also boosted their confidence in navigating life after graduation.