Limitations of Tertiary Education in Nigeria: In Nigeria, tertiary education holds a prestigious place in society, symbolizing progress, growth, and opportunity. But for those who have walked the path, it’s clear that the journey isn’t without challenges. The reality is that Nigerian universities face limitations that often leave students unprepared for the workforce. This blog post explores these challenges and emphasizes why it’s crucial for students to acquire essential skills before even stepping into a university.

Why Skills Should Come Before a Degree

For many, university education is seen as the starting point of their career journey. However, this approach may not be ideal. In today’s world, entering higher education without foundational skills can leave students at a disadvantage. By focusing on acquiring practical skills beforehand, students can approach university as a bridge to career growth rather than the starting line.

Developing skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving before enrolling in a university prepares students to maximize what higher education offers. Around the world, successful educational systems emphasize early skill-building, ensuring students are ready to specialize when they reach university. Nigerian students can benefit immensely from adopting this approach.

The Challenges Within Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Unfortunately, several challenges plague Nigerian universities, and they significantly affect the quality of education students receive.

1. The Pursuit of Income over Expertise

Studies suggest that nearly 80% of Nigerian students pursue tertiary education primarily for financial benefits, not necessarily to enhance their expertise or contribute to their chosen field. This mindset, fueled by socio-economic pressures, has led to an environment where obtaining a degree is often prioritized over the development of real-world skills.

2. Theoretical Focus over Practical Training

Nigerian universities tend to focus heavily on theoretical knowledge, which is essential, but often lacks a practical dimension. This results in graduates who struggle to apply what they’ve learned in the workplace. The gap between theory and practice can be frustrating for both students and employers, who expect job-ready candidates.

The Role of the NBTE and the Funding Problem

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in Nigeria has outlined standards aimed at enhancing technical and vocational education. These standards provide a roadmap for institutions to offer skill-focused education. However, there’s a major obstacle: funding.

Due to limited government support, Nigerian institutions struggle to fully implement the NBTE’s guidelines. Many are left unable to acquire the equipment, resources, and faculty necessary to deliver a skills-focused curriculum. The heads of institutions often face the challenge of maintaining quality education within budget constraints, which limits the practical training opportunities available to students.

American Universities vs. Nigerian Universities

To understand the difference that funding can make, let’s look at the American education system. American universities receive substantial government funding, allowing them to invest in cutting-edge facilities, research opportunities, and high-quality faculty. With financial support in place, American institutions focus on improving the quality of education, prioritizing hands-on experience, internships, and innovation.

In contrast, Nigerian institutions are often underfunded, with scarce resources to support similar initiatives. Without this backing, Nigerian universities focus more on traditional lectures than on offering students valuable practical experience. If the Nigerian government invested similarly in higher education, it could empower institutions to focus on producing graduates who are ready for the job market.

Why You Should Take Responsibility for Your Skill Development

In this context, Nigerian students have to take control of their own career preparation. Entering university without foundational skills can be a missed opportunity in a challenging academic landscape. With the world of work changing rapidly, it’s essential for students to develop skills that will help them stay competitive.

Consider acquiring skills through:

• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable courses on critical skills.
• Internships and Volunteering: Practical experience is invaluable, even if it’s unpaid. Seek out internships or volunteer roles that allow you to apply theoretical knowledge.
• Personal Projects: Experiment with projects in your area of interest. For example, if you’re interested in software development, try building simple applications or websites.

By developing skills early on, you make yourself more adaptable and better prepared to tackle the challenges in higher education.

Institutions in Nigeria Offering Skills-Oriented Courses

Some Nigerian institutions do prioritize skill-building and practical experience. Here are a few that stand out:

• University of Lagos (UNILAG): Known for its focus on entrepreneurship programs that prepare students for the world of business.
• Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti: Emphasizes technical and vocational training, helping students build hands-on skills in various fields.
• Yaba College of Technology: Offers practical programs, particularly in engineering and the applied sciences.
• University of Ibadan (UI): Has recently incorporated more skills-oriented modules to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
• Bayero University, Kano (BUK): Known for fieldwork emphasis, especially in science and engineering disciplines.
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): Focuses on technology and innovation, particularly in computer science and engineering.

These institutions strive to provide a more balanced education, though funding limitations still affect their ability to fully meet NBTE standards.

Conclusion: Skills First, Degree Second

Tertiary education in Nigeria faces undeniable limitations, but you don’t have to let these challenges hold you back. By taking charge of your skill development before university, you can enter higher education with a strong foundation, ready to make the most of the opportunities available.

Ultimately, Nigerian students who approach education with a “skills-first” mindset will find themselves better prepared for the workforce. Let’s move beyond the degree-first mentality and embrace a new approach to learning—one that prioritizes adaptability, innovation, and practical experience. By doing so, we can transform the narrative of Nigerian tertiary education from a limitation to an opportunity.