NUC, COL partner to tackle challenges of Nigerian graduates

As part of efforts to tackle the challenges of graduate employability and entrepreneurial skills development in Nigeria, the National Universities Commission (NUC) is partnering with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada.

Acting Executive Secretary, NUC, Mr Chris Maiyaki, who disclosed this at a three-day stakeholders meeting, lamented the high rate of graduate unemployment in the country,urgingthem to find solutions to these issues.

Maiyaki explained that the workshop focused on developing and implementing a national framework and strategies to enhance graduate employability in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

He acknowledged the skills gap and mismatch in the country and expressed hope that a multi-stakeholder approach would create a more effective employability ecosystem.

Maiyaki noted that in 2005, the NUC conducted a needs assessment survey across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to measure the extent of the skills gap.

According to him, a committee, led by Prof. Peter Okebukola, was later formed to align NUC’s strategies with its strategic plan.

Maiyaki disclosed that the committee identified several challenges, including the issue of graduate employability, poor graduate quality, and deficiencies in skills development and entrepreneurship education.

To address the problems, he disclosed that the commission established a skills development and advisory committee in 2018 to address them, drawing on subject matter experts, professionals, and regulatory bodies from both public and private sectors.

“The commission has since developed the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) to address employability and entrepreneurial skills.

“Universities now have the flexibility to design 30 per cent of their curriculum to reflect their unique environments,” he said.

Also speaking, Higher Education Adviser at COL, Prof. Jane-Frances Agbu, frowned at increasing complexities in the world of work, particularly the issue of skill mismatches.
She noted that the world is evolving, as companies now need employees who can adapt to evolving challenges.

Agbu added that connecting quality assurance with employability is essential for creating a workforce ready for the future.

She pointed out that, unlike in the 1980s, when a university degree almost guaranteed a white-collar job in Nigeria, today’s job market requires more than just a degree.

“Graduate employability is now a growing concern for educational institutions worldwide,” she added.