UNILAG Don, Other experts Call for Curriculum Overhaul in Tertiary Institutions to Meet Societal Needs
Education experts recently emphasized the urgent need for a significant overhaul of higher education curricula to align with societal needs in Nigeria.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a thought-provoking discourse, Prof. Rotimi Oladele, the Executive Secretary of the Institute of Entrepreneurs, Nigeria, urged stakeholders in the education sector to overhaul the curriculum of tertiary institutions to align with the evolving needs of society. Speaking at the inaugural Lagos State University Postgraduate School Public Lecture themed "Connecting Town and Gown," Prof. Oladele emphasized the imperative of producing graduates equipped with relevant skills to drive national development.
Highlighting the mismatch between higher education outcomes and societal demands in Nigeria, Prof. Oladele underscored the urgency to address this disparity. He lamented the prevalence of graduates ill-prepared for the future due to a disconnect between academic training and practical application. Proposing a solution, he advocated for a strategic realignment of courses and titles with local resources and market demands, stressing the importance of engagement-oriented postgraduate programs in a data-driven era.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Babatunde Adeboye, President of the Society of Energy Administrators in Nigeria, advocated for academic support in policy implementation to address critical national issues. Dr. Adeboye emphasized the significance of academia-industry collaboration in driving sustainable development, particularly in energy management and environmental conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello highlighted the pivotal role of universities in shaping society's future. Emphasizing the need for academia, government, and industry collaboration, Prof. Olatunji-Bello called for a collective effort to tackle national challenges and promote social justice and sustainable development.
Hon. Tolani Sule, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, emphasized the role of teaching, research, and innovation in human capital development. He underscored the importance of strengthening research ecosystems, fostering industry-academic partnerships, and enhancing educational quality and relevance to advance the agenda for national renewal.
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The event, hosted by Prof. Olawale Ibrahim Olateju, Dean of the Postgraduate School, showcased the achievements of the institution and aimed to bridge the gap between academia and society. Amb. Edward Olutoke, Global President of the Global Association of Postgraduate Students (GAPOGS), reiterated the importance of fostering collaboration between academia and communities.
The lecture, attended by university management, deans, professors, and postgraduate students, served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration towards addressing contemporary societal challenges and fostering sustainable development.
