As of 15 th August, 2018, there are 152
universities – Federal (40), State (44 ) and
private (68) – scattered all over the
country not counting polytechnics, colleges
of education, colleges of agriculture and
the like. Ordinarily, that would seem like a
large enough number of higher institutions
to positively affect and drive innovation and
deliver the kinds of benefits to the
economy that a vibrant education sector
can offer any nation.
However, while the number of students
graduating from universities and other
higher institutions is on the rise, the
expected impact on innovation,
entrepreneurship and industry is still a long
way from happening.
The higher education sector in Nigeria has
often come in for criticism as one of the
weakest links in the country‘s drive to
economic prosperity, increased innovation
and industrial advancement. Some of the
accusations leveled at Nigerian Universities
include the emphasis on theory and not
enough practical/field work, dated
curriculum that is out of sync with the
current trends and demands of today‘s job
market, poor facilities that do nothing to
prepare students for the high-tech business
environments they are supposed to
graduate into among others.
These problems are well-documented and
have been widely discussed by
stakeholders. The problem lies in finding
and implementing a workable solution that
addresses the core challenges facing the
education sector. It is rather unfortunate,
as these issues have persisted for years
through successive administrations.
As efforts intensify to drive non-oil exports
in Nigeria, it will be foolishness and a sure
path to failure if the higher education
sector is not actively involved in these
efforts. These institutions of higher learning
must be able to provide high-quality,
technically oriented training to students,
first and foremost.
How can this be done?
One way is to build sustainable linkages
between universities in the country and
industry. Although this is easier said than
done, it is possible.
The practice where researchers and
innovators in universities hardly meet with
entrepreneurs and counterparts in the
private sector is unfortunate because at
the end of the day, universities lack the
capacity to commercialize their own
research. Besides, there is very little
incentive to do so. Their first order of
business is acquiring, sharing and improving
knowledge. Entrepreneurs and the private
sector on the other hand, exist for the
purpose of raising capital, conducting
commerce and making profits. This is how
jobs are created, how industries are built
and how countries go from low-income to
high-income.