By Samuel Sunday
Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, and the university’s 14th convocation lecturer, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, have called for reforms in Nigeria’s higher education system to equip graduates with practical skills, entrepreneurial capabilities and competencies needed for national development.
They made the call on Tuesday during ABUAD’s 14th convocation lecture, held at the Alfa Belgore Multipurpose Hall, Ado-Ekiti, under the theme: *”Functional Education and the Nigerian Project: Strategic Human Capital Development for National Renewal.”*
Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, delivered the lecture, emphasising the need to align university education with the country’s economic priorities and labour-market demands.
Okonkwo said functional education should be measured by what graduates can do with their knowledge rather than the certificates they obtain.
He called for a shift from content-driven teaching to competency-based learning that develops critical thinking, practical problem-solving, creativity, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and ethical leadership.
He also advocated increased investment in technical and vocational education, modern laboratories, engineering workshops and research facilities.
The convocation lecturer stressed the need for stronger partnerships among universities, industries and government to align academic programmes with labour-market demands.
He cited the partnership between United Nigeria Airlines and ABUAD, under which Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering students undertake six months of hands-on industrial training at the airline’s engineering facility in Lagos.
The programme provides practical exposure to aircraft maintenance, avionics, safety procedures and professional aviation practices.
He urged universities to strengthen internships, apprenticeships, research commercialisation and technology development to improve graduate employability and national productivity.
In his remarks, Aare Afe Babalola said Okonkwo’s presentation had reinforced his concerns about the gap between academic qualifications and the practical abilities graduates need after leaving university.
He noted that although ABUAD maintained high standards in students’ conduct, appearance and academic activities, universities must do more to prepare young people for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
He also cited the university’s recognition by Times Higher Education as Nigeria’s leading university for five consecutive years, ranking second in Africa and 54th globally.
Babalola urged the Federal Government to review university curricula to ensure that students acquire practical skills relevant to their professions and the wider economy.
He argued that education should prepare graduates to solve problems, create employment and contribute meaningfully to society rather than focus mainly on theoretical knowledge and certificates.
He also expressed concern about the process of establishing private universities in Nigeria, calling for stricter scrutiny of applications and physical inspections of proposed facilities before approval.
He said regulatory authorities should verify the availability of suitable buildings, equipment and other essential infrastructure before allowing institutions to commence academic activities.
He added that he had assembled a panel, including eight vice-chancellors, to recommend ways of improving the university system.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, congratulated the students, graduates and invited guests.
She also appreciated the convocation lecturer, describing the lecture as an opportunity to examine how education could develop the skills, character and innovative capacity required for national progress.
Olarinde commended Okonkwo and United Nigeria Airlines for supporting practical learning through the university’s industry partnership, calling for sustained collaboration between academia and industry to prepare graduates for the demands of the modern economy.
