Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami’s book, Skills Rather Than Just Degrees, has ignited significant discussion in Nigeria about the future of education and employment.

While some critics interpret the title as a denigration of academic degrees, Pantami clarifies that he values qualifications as essential. His work emphasizes the need for practical skills to meet the demands of today’s job market, advocating for a shift in educational focus towards competencies that foster employability.

In the book, Pantami critiques the traditional education system for its emphasis on rote learning, arguing that it often leaves graduates unprepared for real-world challenges.

He calls for a curriculum overhaul that integrates vocational training and practical experience, underscoring the importance of digital literacy and technological skills in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Pantami urges policymakers and educators to prioritize these competencies to enhance workforce readiness.

Pnatami envisions a generation of problem-solvers and innovators capable of driving economic growth and addressing local challenges through practical applications of their knowledge.