In an era when Nigeria’s higher‑education system increasingly appears disconnected from industry needs, a recent public lecture hosted by James Hope University may signal a turning point. The private institution used the platform to canvass bold reforms — urging universities across the country to reimagine their purpose, adopt technology, and become engines of innovation rather than just diploma factories.
The Lecture: A Wake‑Up Call
On November 20, 2025, James Hope University held its first-ever public lecture series in Lekki-Lagos. The lecture, titled “The Nigerian University: The Search for Meaning and Relevance”, was delivered by Prof. Zacharys Anger Gundu of the University of Mkar.
Beyond the formality of the event, the gathering was framed as more than just another campus talk — but as a clarion call for rethinking the role of universities in Nigeria. According to Prof. Gundu, the traditional model of higher education — focused largely on credentialing — no longer suffices. He argued that universities must transform into institutions that deliver relevance, purpose and societal value.
Why the Call for Reform Matters Now
The plea from JHU comes amid growing recognition of a troubling trend: many graduates lack the skills the modern workforce requires. Despite Nigeria’s large population of university‑educated youth, employers often complain about skill gaps, especially in emerging fields shaped by technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
In response, JHU leaders — including faculty and administrators — stressed that universities must evolve. The lecture emphasized that institutions should go beyond traditional teaching and research to embrace digital tools, industrial exposure, and entrepreneurial training. This, they argue, is essential if Nigerian graduates are to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
What Reform Could Look Like — According to JHU
According to the perspectives shared at the lecture:
- Universities should adopt a technology‑driven model, integrating digital tools and AI‑compliant curricula to prepare graduates for the digital economy.
- Institutions should not just award certificates — they should equip students with practical, market‑ready skills and make learning relevant to real‑world needs, including entrepreneurship and industrial readiness.
- Higher‑ed institutions must aim to serve national interests — contributing to development, security, and societal progress — rather than producing graduates who struggle to find meaningful employment.
- Collaboration between academia, industry, and government should be strengthened, ensuring that curriculum, research and training align with Nigeria’s development aspirations.
In short: a shift from outdated, certificate‑centric education to a dynamic, skills‑oriented, future‑facing higher‑education ecosystem.
The Broader Context: Why This Discussion Is Critical for Nigeria
The lecture by JHU didn’t emerge in a vacuum — it taps into wider concerns about the future of tertiary education in Nigeria. Multiple voices across academia and policy circles have pointed out persistent problems:
- Many universities suffer from poor infrastructure, under‑resourced faculties, and outdated curricula, which hamper their ability to deliver quality, relevant education.
- There is a mismatch between graduates’ skills and what the labour market demands — resulting in high unemployment or underemployment, even among degree‑holders.
- The traditional emphasis on degrees and diplomas has sometimes led to certificate‑chasing and educational commodification, instead of genuine learning and competence.
Given Nigeria’s youth‑bulge, economic challenges, and global shifts (digital economy, AI, entrepreneurship), the pressure to adapt and reform the higher‑education sector has never been more urgent.
