Education Must Align With Market Demands, Ezekwesili Says
Former Minister of Education, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, has emphasised the need for higher education to align with market demands, stressing that African universities must prioritise skill-based learning and technological innovation to combat poverty.
Ezekwesili spoke at Redeemer’s University’s 20th Anniversary Public Lecture on Monday, noting that Africa’s economic and social progress hinges on the quality of its students, faculties, and research output.
Speaking on the theme ‘The Reality of Our Time: Harnessing Human Capital, Technology, and Values for a Sustainable Future’, Ezekwesili emphasised the importance of technology in equipping students with relevant skills for a rapidly evolving job market.
Ezekwesili warned that Africa’s youthful population presents immense opportunities but also poses significant challenges, including widespread unemployment and social unrest.
“Africa’s youth must be empowered to create jobs, not just seek them. Governments should invest in innovation hubs, venture capital, and digital platforms that support young entrepreneurs,” she said.
She cited World Bank data, revealing that 10 to 12 million young Africans enter the labour market each year, yet only three million formal jobs are created.
To address this challenge, Ezekwesili called for stronger collaborations between academia and industry, urging universities to move away from theoretical teaching and embrace practical skills that match the evolving job market.
She further stressed the need for entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital literacy to create sustainable employment opportunities.
The former minister called for ethical considerations in the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI), challenging universities to take the lead in shaping ethical AI policies.
“AI is disrupting industries, but it is also creating high-value jobs. The key is to ensure our workforce is prepared,” she said.
Education Must Align With Market Demands, Ezekwesili Says is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
