Ibadan:Nigeria’s education system is thriving but requires a shift from focusing on certificates to prioritizing competency, according to Dr. Seyi Akanbi, Chancellor of American Open University Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Akanbi addressed this need during a discourse on Nigeria’s education system organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Tribune Chapel. The event, held in Ibadan, focused on “Bridging Nigeria’s Education Gap How Technology and Online Learning Are Transforming Higher Education.”
Dr. Akanbi emphasized that while the country does not suffer from a scarcity of degrees, it faces degree inflation, with many graduates struggling to find jobs. He noted that this issue is evident as some master’s degree holders are teaching at primary schools. He called for an education system that emphasizes practical courses over theoretical ones, and where assessments evaluate graduates’ ability to perform on the job rather than recall classroom notes.
He advocated for leveraging technology to build competencies and expose students to real-world industry scenarios. Dr. Akanbi suggested that universities should specialize in specific sectors of the economy to produce graduates equipped to address industry-specific challenges, rather than producing graduates who predominantly pursue banking jobs.
Dr. Akanbi also highlighted the need to reimagine the current university system, which was inherited from an era designed for traditional 9-to-5 job preparation. He argued that the system must evolve to produce graduates who are capable of creating opportunities, not just seeking employment.
Mrs. Bunmi Ishola, chairperson of the NUJ Tribune Chapel, mentioned that the discourse aimed to address societal issues and was the third of its kind this year. She pointed out how the integration of online learning and technology could benefit students, especially given the challenges of access to higher education due to distance, cost, and inadequate infrastructure. Mrs. Ishola posed the question of whether Nigeria is truly prepared to make digital education accessible to all.