Nigeria’s ambition to build a globally competitive digital economy could remain constrained unless universities place greater emphasis on practical technology training, amid growing concerns that many computing graduates still lack the hands-on skills employers require despite rising enrolment in technology-related programmes.

The concern was echoed by the best graduating student in Computer Technology at Babcock University, Okereke Splendour, who said classroom instruction alone cannot adequately prepare students for the realities of today’s technology industry.

Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony held in her honour, the first class graduate said project-based learning, laboratory work and real-world problem solving should become central to technology education if graduates are to meet employers’ expectations.

“In technology, you understand better when you practise what you are learning. We need more practicals because theory alone is not enough,” she said.

Her comments reflect concerns within Nigeria’s technology ecosystem that while universities continue to produce increasing numbers of computing graduates, many still require extensive retraining before becoming productive in the workplace.

Industry stakeholders have repeatedly pointed to shortages of job-ready talent in software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other emerging digital fields, with employers increasingly placing greater value on demonstrable technical competence than academic qualifications alone.

Splendour urged universities to strengthen partnerships with technology companies through internships, industry projects and collaborative research to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations.

According to her, greater exposure to real-life industry challenges before graduation would improve graduates’ employability and better prepare them for the demands of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving technology sector.

She also encouraged more young women to pursue careers in technology, saying gender stereotypes should not discourage them from entering fields traditionally dominated by men.

“The opportunities are there for anyone willing to learn and keep improving. Technology is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is important,” she said.

Analysts have increasingly identified practical skills development and stronger collaboration between academia and industry as critical to building the workforce required to support Nigeria’s digital transformation and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.