African Universities Must Update Programmes to Succeed in the 21st Century, NUC Urges
In order to ensure that graduates from African universities are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the modern world, it is imperative that these institutions actively work to improve and update their educational programmes to align with global best practices. This was emphasized by the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, during the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum for Innovation in African Universities (FIAU), themed Strengthening Africa’s Higher Education in a post-COVID-19 world.
Maiyaki stressed the importance of higher education institutions providing students with opportunities to continuously refine the skills required for employment in a competitive global landscape. He emphasized the need to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students, fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving that will drive economic growth and social development.
In line with this vision, the NUC has launched the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for 17 disciplines, with a particular focus on equipping students with 21st-century employability and entrepreneurial skills. As part of the re-engineered curriculum, each programme offered in Nigerian universities will now include a compulsory and obligatory entrepreneurship course, aimed at instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in graduates.
Maiyaki also urged the FIAU to harness the potential of technology in enhancing teaching methodologies and equipping students with the digital skills necessary for the future of work. He highlighted the importance of leveraging technological advancements to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the evolving demands of the job market.
Prof. Williams Qurix, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Karu, and Co-Chairman of FIAU, emphasized the forum’s commitment to promoting development models that revolve around partnerships focusing on 21st-century skills and entrepreneurship. While the first two conferences were held in the UK, the decision to hold this year’s conference in Nigeria underscores the need for African universities to lead the way in teaching entrepreneurship, acting as the creative force behind the continent’s development.
The call for African universities to update their programmes and prioritize entrepreneurship education is timely and crucial. It aligns with global trends and acknowledges the transformative power of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, African universities can play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, spurring innovation, and ultimately uplifting entire communities.
It is now incumbent upon universities across the continent to seize this opportunity and embrace the call for change. By reevaluating and updating their educational programmes, these universities can position themselves as beacons of excellence that produce graduates equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with the mindset and skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
As African universities embark on this transformative journey, it is crucial for stakeholders, including governments, educational institutions, industry leaders, and civil society, to collaborate. Together, they can create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship education, innovation, and technological advancements. This collaborative effort will ensure that African graduates are well-prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the future, contributing to the growth and development of the continent as a whole.
In conclusion, the push to update and improve educational programmes in African universities to align with global best practices is a timely and critical endeavor. By instilling an entrepreneurial mindset and equipping students with 21st-century employability skills, these institutions can lead the way in driving economic growth and social development. It is essential for all stakeholders to come together and support this transformative journey, ensuring that African graduates are prepared to thrive in the rapidly changing landscape of the 21st century.
