NITDA DG Urges Universities to Embrace Skills Revolution

Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), cautioned that Nigerian universities risk producing graduates ill-equipped for the modern workforce unless they urgently reform their curricula. Speaking at the combined convocation lecture of Taraba State University in Jalingo, he highlighted the necessity to transition from a certificate-driven education system to one focused on skills and innovation.

Abdullahi noted that the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming jobs and industries, and universities must prioritize problem-solving and technology commercialization over traditional metrics like degrees awarded. He referenced the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, predicting that 22% of formal jobs could be affected by 2030, with a net gain of 78 million jobs anticipated.

He urged universities to foster partnerships with government and industry, invest in technology transfer, and develop graduates with digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills.