Tinubu Challenges Universities to Meet Labor Market Needs

On Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed vice-chancellors from 328 Nigerian universities at the 37th Annual General Assembly Conference of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities held at the University of Ilorin. He emphasized the necessity for universities to adapt to the changing labor market demands, stating that the federal government alone cannot reform the university system.

Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmed, Tinubu urged university administrators to critically assess the quality and relevance of graduates, particularly in light of advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and other fields reshaping the global economy. He posed the question of what kind of graduates are being produced, stressing that universities must enhance university-industry partnerships, expand internship opportunities, and ensure that curricula align with labor market needs.

The conference included participation from 77 federal universities, 68 state universities, and 168 private universities over three days.