The Federal Government’s proposal to reform Nigeria’s tertiary education system by aligning academic programmes with market demands has been described as a necessary step toward tackling unemployment and improving graduate relevance in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently outlined plans to phase out courses considered less relevant while integrating entrepreneurial training into university curricula. Addressing students at the University of Abuja, he stressed the need to produce graduates who are job creators rather than job seekers.

“We are training you not to be job seekers but entrepreneurs. From your first year to your final year, you will be exposed to entrepreneurial innovation and business incubation so that by graduation, you are equipped to thrive,” he said.

The proposal comes against the backdrop of Nigeria producing over 600,000 graduates annually, many of whom struggle to secure employment. The government believes that restructuring academic programmes to reflect industry needs and global trends—especially in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and digital technology—will better prepare students for the future workforce.

As part of the reforms, a compulsory Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification (EPIC) is expected to be introduced across tertiary institutions by 2027. Technical and vocational education is also set to receive increased attention as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its human capital base.

However, the proposal has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders in the education sector. Academic unions, including the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), have cautioned against the outright scrapping of courses, advocating instead for curriculum reform and modernization.

“Education must evolve to reflect current realities, but this should be done through updating and strengthening existing programmes, not eliminating entire disciplines,” said Dr. Niyi Sunmonu of CONUA.

Experts also warn that while science and technology fields are critical, social sciences remain essential for understanding human behaviour, governance, and societal development. They argue that a balanced approach is needed to ensure that innovation aligns with social needs.

To ensure successful implementation, stakeholders have called for increased funding for education, noting that Nigeria’s allocation remains below the 15–20 percent benchmark recommended by UNESCO. Investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and digital learning resources are seen as crucial to achieving meaningful reform.

There are also calls for a nationwide stakeholders’ summit involving federal and state governments, academic institutions, and the private sector to review and harmonise curricula across all levels of education.

Analysts agree that while the proposed reforms hold promise, their success will depend on careful implementation, adequate funding, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders. Ultimately, the goal is to build an education system that equips graduates with practical skills, fosters innovation, and supports national economic growth.