Nigeria’s education curriculum has been criticized by Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who attributes the country’s high unemployment rates to its outdated system.
Ganduje made these remarks amid Nigeria’s deepening unemployment crisis, which has left millions of young people struggling to secure meaningful employment.
Speaking at the commencement of the Enterprise Skills Development Training (EDET) programme for youths in Lagos on Tuesday, organized by the party’s National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, Ganduje advocated for a shift towards skills-based education.
He emphasized that the current curriculum fails to equip students with the practical skills needed to compete in today’s job market, thus exacerbating unemployment and societal challenges.
Represented at the event by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Ganduje called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s educational framework. He pointed out that the predominant focus on theoretical learning has resulted in graduates proficient in English but lacking in practical abilities essential for entrepreneurship and societal development.
“In Nigeria today, our curriculum is based on theories,” Ganduje stated. “We produce graduates who are experts in theories but have no skills to embark on entrepreneurship. Our graduates lack the practical abilities needed to develop solutions beneficial to society.”
He contrasted this with educational systems in countries like China and India, where skills acquisition is integrated into primary and secondary education, fostering a workforce capable of innovation and productivity.
Ganduje urged Nigerian youths to prioritize skill acquisition alongside formal education, stressing that certification alone is insufficient in today’s competitive job market. He encouraged them to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and contribute positively to society through practical contributions.
Acknowledging the limitations of government in providing jobs for all citizens, Ganduje emphasized individual responsibility in creating employment opportunities. He called on young Nigerians to embrace skill development as a pathway to self-sufficiency and national development.
“If you are unable to secure a white-collar job after obtaining formal education, I urge you to shed arrogance and acquire a practical skill,” Ganduje advised. “Let us not rely solely on the government for jobs, as opportunities lie in our ability to create them ourselves.”
He commended Dayo Israel for organizing the EDET programme and encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity to become job creators and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
Ganduje reiterated the need for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s education system, advocating for the integration of practical learning and skills acquisition to empower youths and drive sustainable development.