March 10, 2025

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its development journey. With over 60 percent of its population under the age of 30, the country possesses a significant demographic advantage. Yet, this potential remains largely untapped due to a persistent mismatch between the educational system and the evolving demands of the modern job market.

The Root of the Problem: An Outdated Curriculum

The Nigerian education system has long prioritised rote memorisation and theoretical knowledge, leaving students ill-equipped for the realities of today’s workforce. Despite thousands of graduates entering the labour market each year, youth unemployment continues to rise — a concerning paradox that fuels economic stagnation, social unrest, and rising underemployment.

Employers across various sectors frequently highlight the lack of job-ready skills among Nigerian graduates. Many companies are compelled to invest heavily in in-house training or hire foreign expatriates to meet their needs. This is especially evident in the engineering and technology sectors, where companies in oil and gas, manufacturing, and construction often prefer foreign-trained professionals due to the limited practical experience of local graduates.

Learning from Global Models

Several countries facing similar challenges have successfully adapted their education systems to better align with workforce demands. These nations provide valuable insights that Nigeria could adopt:

• Rwanda has reformed its education system by prioritising practical learning, technical skills, and problem-solving. Its focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is already showing positive outcomes.
• Germany boasts one of the world’s lowest youth unemployment rates, thanks to its dual education system that combines classroom instruction with real-world industry experience.
• Namibia has successfully adapted this model, producing vocational students equipped with employment-ready skills.
• Finland has embedded entrepreneurship in its early education curriculum, nurturing innovation and empowering students to become job creators.
• Singapore emphasises skills-based training through its Institutes of Technical Education (ITE) and polytechnics, ensuring graduates possess marketable skills.
• Switzerland follows a robust dual vocational education and training (VET) system, blending academic learning with paid apprenticeships to enhance employability.
• South Korea has aligned university programmes with industry demands, investing heavily in technical education and research.
• Canada strengthens ties between universities and industries through co-op programmes that provide students with practical experience before graduation.
• China has expanded vocational education by establishing partnerships between educational institutions and businesses to equip students with industry-relevant skills.

Nigeria’s Efforts and the Road Ahead

Nigeria has initiated some promising reforms. The National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) was introduced to integrate vocational training into mainstream education. Institutions such as Yaba College of Technology and Kaduna Polytechnic have also championed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). However, these initiatives remain underfunded and poorly implemented, limiting their impact.

Private initiatives are also contributing to skills development. The Andela training programme has produced globally competitive Nigerian software engineers, albeit on a limited scale. Similarly, Kenya’s Ajira Digital Programme offers a model Nigeria could emulate to equip youths with digital skills, opening opportunities for remote work in the global gig economy.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

To unlock Nigeria’s potential, urgent steps are needed to overhaul the educational system. Curriculum reforms must prioritise practical learning, industry partnerships, and digital skills. By adopting best practices from global models and investing in innovative education strategies, Nigeria can bridge the skills gap, empower its youth, and drive sustainable economic growth.

The future of Nigeria’s economic prosperity hinges on its ability to prepare its youth for the workforce of tomorrow — a task that requires bold reforms today.