The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has demanded robust collaboration among stakeholders to build a future-ready education system that equips young Nigerians with skills for a changing economy.
The call was made by its Community of Practice on Youth (CoPYouth) Human Capital Development Thematic Group at a pre-summit dialogue themed “Future-proofing Nigerian Education” ahead of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#32).
The hybrid session, held at the NESG Abuja office, brought together stakeholders to examine challenges around education quality, access, skills development, employability and private-sector participation.
Speaking, Ms Ozofu Ogiemudia, Chair of the NES#32 Central Organising Committee, said building a future-ready education system requires attention to the entire education pipeline, from foundational learning and access to tertiary education, curriculum and teaching, through skills development, employability and transition into the labour market.
She implored stakeholders to move beyond repeatedly identifying challenges and focus on practical, scalable and financeable solutions, with clear responsibilities and measurable commitments.
Mr Oluwatobi Oseni, Lead, Human Capital Development Thematic Group of the NESG Community of Practice on Youth (CoPYouth), described Nigeria’s human capital challenge as a broken education pipeline that must be addressed from foundational learning through tertiary education, skills development and employment.
He noted that weaknesses at each stage compound one another, citing challenges including the large number of out-of-school children, weak foundational literacy and numeracy, declining examination outcomes and difficulties transitioning young people into productive employment.
He stressed that the effectiveness of the education system should be measured not only by the number of certificates awarded, but by whether learners acquire the capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to national productivity.
At the panel session, Dr Moses Sichei, Chief Social Policy, UNICEF, called for greater emphasis on the industry relevance and practical application of academic research.
He noted that postgraduate research, particularly at the MBA level, should address real-world industry challenges and generate evidence-based solutions to issues affecting businesses and sectors.
He urged stronger partnership among universities, government and industry to ensure that research findings are translated into policies, innovations and practical solutions rather than remaining confined to academic libraries.
Dr Sichei also emphasised the need to embed entrepreneurship, innovation and digital skills within university education.
He highlighted industry mentorship, internships and engagement with practitioners as important avenues for giving students practical experience and a better understanding of workplace expectations.
He advocated pathways through which students with promising ideas can receive incubation, mentorship and support to develop viable enterprises that create employment and contribute to economic development.
Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, emphasized the need for universities to strengthen their role as centres of innovation and enterprise development alongside their traditional responsibilities for teaching, research and community service.
He noted that research should generate practical value through evidence for policy, new ideas and solutions capable of supporting industry development.
He called for deeper university–industry partnerships, including greater participation of industry professionals in mentorship, internships and teaching.
He further highlighted the importance of integrating entrepreneurship into university education so that students can develop enterprise skills alongside academic knowledge.
He noted that students demonstrating entrepreneurial potential should be supported to incubate and develop their ideas into viable businesses, enabling graduates to create economic opportunities rather than depend solely on formal employment.
He also identified digital skills as an important component of this preparation across disciplines.
Chikaodi Onyemerela, Director, Programmes and Partnerships, British Council, advocated a stronger focus on the practical and industry relevance of academic research, particularly at the postgraduate level.
She called for research to address concrete challenges confronting businesses and industries and produce actionable solutions.
She also emphasised the importance of strengthening innovation and enterprise development within universities, including through effective Enterprise Development Centres (EDCs), while encouraging institutions to demonstrate the practical impact of research through innovations, inventions and patents.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, the Director of Teachers Professional Development (TPD), Hajiya Maryam Sani Rangaji, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to improving access to and the quality of basic education.
She highlighted the need for better school infrastructure and more conducive learning environments, as well as sustained efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
She noted that mapping and strategies are already being implemented to support efforts to return more children to the classroom.
Rangaji also emphasised the importance of improving learners’ enrolment, retention, transition and completion rates, while ensuring that qualified and professionally licensed teachers are available in schools.
She stressed that these efforts should translate into improved foundational learning outcomes and stronger financing for basic education.
The session concluded with a focus on translating the dialogue into practical action.
Participants identified the need to document priority interventions, map potential private-sector partners and clarify areas where stakeholders can contribute to improved education outcomes.
The Human Capital Development Thematic Group of CoPYouth will use the outcomes of the engagement to inform its advocacy and follow-up activities.
The pre-summit dialogue is part of the broader series of stakeholder engagements leading to NES#32, through which the NESG and its partners are convening stakeholders around critical issues affecting Nigeria’s economic and social development.
The education dialogue contributes to the Summit’s focus on productivity, human capital and inclusive growth, examining how Nigeria can build a talent pipeline capable of supporting a more competitive and productive economy.
Recall that the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#32) will be held under the theme “Growth that Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity” on 26th–27th October 2026 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
