Stakeholders Call for Urgent Reforms in Tertiary Education to Boost Graduate Employability in Nigeria.

At the 2025 Business Leadership Roundtable hosted by Nubian American Advanced College (NAAC), stakeholders called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s tertiary education system to boost graduate employability and align curricula with labour market needs.

Themed “Realigning Tertiary Education for Nigeria’s Growth and Sustainable Development,” the event brought together leaders from government, academia, industry, and the international community.

Chairman Kiri Wakama emphasized bridging the gap between academia and industry, urging institutions to move beyond theory and focus on practical skills, innovation, and employer collaboration.

NAAC Chief Promoter Dr. Azhinoto Ikpah stressed that education must produce graduates who meet industry standards and highlighted NAAC’s partnership with Johnson C. Smith University as a model for global collaboration.

NECA Director-General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, criticized outdated curricula and underfunding only 5.5% of the 2024 national budget went to education blaming these for high graduate unemployment.

He called for curriculum reform and international education models to reflect current job market demands.

Archbishop Doye Agama advocated embedding digital skills across all disciplines, noting students should be trained in tools like CRM systems, data analytics, and AI collaboration.

Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adeniran Kasali, supported innovation, digital tools, and global partnerships, expressing hope the roundtable would lead to meaningful reforms and globally competitive graduates.