The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has sounded the alarm over the future relevance of university degrees in Nigeria, warning that without a shift towards skill-based education, traditional academic qualifications could lose their value within the next 15 years.
Speaking in an interview, NBTE Executive Secretary, Professor Idris Bugaje, stressed that the global job market is evolving rapidly, with employers prioritizing hands-on skills over formal degrees.
He cautioned that graduates without practical competencies may find themselves unemployable, as industries increasingly favor professionals with technical expertise.
“The world is moving towards skills, not just certificates,” Bugaje stated. “In countries like China, over 600 universities have been converted into skill-based institutions to meet industry demands. If Nigeria fails to follow suit, our degrees may become meaningless.”
To prevent this scenario, the NBTE is advocating for sweeping reforms, including the integration of skill acquisition into university curricula and the authorization of polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology degrees.
According to Bugaje, this will bridge the gap between academia and industry while addressing the long-standing discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders.
The NBTE boss also cited global companies such as Google and Microsoft, which prioritize applicants' practical abilities and certifications over conventional degrees.
He urged Nigerian institutions to align their educational models with industry needs to ensure graduates remain competitive in the workforce.
As the debate over education reform intensifies, the NBTE's warning highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to rethink its academic structure and embrace a more skills-driven approach to learning.
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