Former Ekiti State University Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Oladipo Aina said Nigeria must prioritise skills and problem‑solving over academic certificates to drive national development.
Speaking to Punch Nigeria, Aina warned that a focus on formal qualifications alone does not guarantee employability, stressing that the country needs graduates who can apply knowledge to real‑world challenges.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is grappling with high youth unemployment and a widening skills gap, as many degree‑holders struggle to secure jobs that match their education.
The former VC called on policymakers, educational institutions and employers to shift emphasis toward vocational training, practical skill acquisition and curricula that nurture critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
Aina’s comments echo a broader debate on education reform in Nigeria, where aligning learning outcomes with labour‑market needs is increasingly seen as essential for sustainable economic growth.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>