Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, has announced a change to the country’s Education system, aiming for a structure that is 80 percent practical and 20 percent theoretical. During his first press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Alausa emphasised that prioritising practical experience would address Unemployment challenges by providing graduates with essential and applicable skills. This adjustment reflects the urgent need to connect academic knowledge with practical skills, ensuring students are prepared for the changing employment market. He emphasised that tertiary institutions continue to produce graduates without enough job opportunities to absorb them.
He intends to change this pattern and better connect the academic system with the workforce’s requirements by transitioning towards a more hands-on teaching methodology. He pointed out that an emphasis on practical training would equip graduates with essential skills, enabling them to succeed across different industries and thereby reducing the unemployment rate among the youth across the country. Besides restructuring the academic system, Alausa stated that the federal government intends to form alliances with private-sector players to facilitate this transition. Working alongside industry professionals and business leaders will create an engaging academic structure that enables students to acquire practical skills and unlock their potential.
Universities of agriculture will be prioritised under the new system.
Through these collaborations, students are anticipated to gain exposure to new career opportunities in various fields, helping academic institutions tailor their training courses to meet the needs of today’s job market. He further indicated that the administration intends to prioritise agricultural universities by improving their abilities to facilitate mechanised farming. This strategy will utilise agricultural resources and educate students on modern farming methods, providing them with skills in food production and supply chain oversight. This focus on Agriculture aligns with the government’s plan to address food scarcity and promote an Economy that can sustain itself.
With this program, students focusing on agriculture will develop practical farming techniques and obtain knowledge about agribusiness, empowering them to make a greater impact in the agricultural industry. In a key policy shift, Dr. Alausa reversed his predecessor’s previous action of increasing the minimum age for university entry from 16 to 18. Professor Tahir Mamman’s established age limit raised debate and was seen by many as limiting access to education. Alausa maintained that the 18-year threshold limits the federal government’s efforts to decrease the number of children not attending school.
The minimum age for university admission is now set at 16.
Furthermore, he argues that keeping the age limit at 16 would enhance academic opportunities and support student retention within the learning system during their crucial developmental phase. Alausa emphasised that the age restriction would continue to be set at 16, but the policy will also adapt for gifted children, permitting those with remarkable talents to advance within the academic structure. He insisted that such an inclusive method would serve a varied student population and enhance the alignment of educational strategies with the nation’s development objectives. Dr. Alausa has been named the Minister of Education as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent cabinet overhaul.
Having previously served as the Minister of State for Health, Alausa offers a diverse viewpoint in this position, underscoring his dedication to tackling academic issues that influence the job market and the health industry. This change is expected to affect both learners and the job market. Those beginning their Higher Education journey will encounter a revamped syllabus to enhance marketable skills in economically vital areas. With a focus on increasing practical training and real-world experiences, the Education Ministry seeks to develop a cohort of graduates capable of adding value to industries from tech to farming.
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On the other hand, while prioritising practical education to address unemployment is essential, it is crucial to consider that a total departure from theoretical learning might have drawbacks. Foundational knowledge is important in engineering, medicine, and law, where theoretical insight is essential. This suggests combining practical experience and theoretical learning might be more advantageous than enforcing a strict balance. As they embrace this innovative academic approach, the reforms introduced must be implemented carefully so that learners obtain comprehensive knowledge that prepares them for international careers.