Tech-driven learning key to Nigeria’s human capital growth, says Alausa
Experts in the engineering sector have lamented the low employability rate of Nigerian engineering graduates.

The experts, while speaking during the second edition of the Engineering Your Tomorrow (EYT) Summit 2026, organised by Emma-tob International Academy (ETIA), highlighted a widening gap between academic knowledge and real-world skills.

Director of ETIA, Debbie Oreoluwa Omolola, said her exposure to the United Kingdom (UK) revealed a stark contrast in training quality.

Also speaking, human resource professional, Afolarin Afolayan, said: “Many graduates lack soft skills like mindset and attitude, and even basic office tools like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. They know theories but have little or no practical experience,” he said.

Chairman of the event, Factory Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, Talla Fall, stressed that technical knowledge alone is insufficient as practical skills remain crucial.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has underscored the importance of technology-driven learning in building Nigeria’s human capital, stressing that digital skills are essential to preparing a competitive and future-ready workforce.

Alausa stated this during the commissioning of Katsina State Smart Secondary School, Radda, where he reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to building a future-ready and globally competitive education system, describing technology-driven learning as central to human capital development.

Delivering the keynote, a Factory Engineering Manager, Saheed Kareem, highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in engineering and everyday life.

Kareem warned that adaptation is no longer optional, saying: “It has become a mandatory skill for everyone to thrive. In five years, AI will take over many processes completely.”

He, however, cautioned about risks, such as cybercrime and ethical concerns.

The minister described the smart school as a strategic intervention that goes beyond infrastructure, representing innovation, opportunity, and a deliberate investment in the nation’s future workforce.

“The institution is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a digital, knowledge-driven global economy,” he said.