Tunji Wusu –
According to a poll conducted by GetBundi, an online education technology company, more than 85% of Nigerian graduates lack digital skills.
According to Mr. Osita Oparaugo, the outfit’s chief executive officer, the poll results reveal that more than 100 million young people are not equipped to take up good career prospects that demand such sophisticated abilities.
“There is a massive digital skills gap in Nigeria, which has been linked to the country’s high unemployment rate.”
“A lack of digital skills has been identified as a major reason why many graduates produced annually from the country’s tertiary institutions are unable to secure employment in the labor market,” he said in a statement released in Lagos.
To bolster his case, Oparaugo stated that a 2023 study performed by GetBundi Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Digital Skill Education Technology Company on 100 NYSC members revealed that just 19 of them possessed any type of digital skill.
“Even that was mostly Microsoft Excel and general knowledge.”
“All seven who had basic programming, machine learning, and data science knowledge studied outside Nigeria – five in the United Kingdom, one in the United States, and one in Malaysia.”
“The majority of them are social media active, with 89 having active Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts, and 11 having LinkedIn accounts.”
“However, they know little or nothing about digital skills.” About 15 people have one or more science-based field certificates but have no practical competence when examined in their fields of study.
“At a time when digital skills rule the world, this situation is concerning, though young people are not entirely to blame.”
“The education system bears a large portion of the blame.” The school system has been justifiably chastised for failing to keep up with the quickly changing digital landscape.
“The curriculum used in many Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions is out of date and inadequately covers the practical aspect of relevant digital skills.”
“Practical digital skills that would better prepare youths for jobs and self-employment are all lacking in the current educational system.”
He said that the government recognized the need to address this issue and has taken initiatives to promote digital literacy and skill development among young people.
“Some of the efforts include initiatives such as coding boot camps, online training platforms, partnerships with technology companies, and entrepreneurship programs that focus on digital innovation,” he explained.
“These initiatives aim to provide Nigerian youths with opportunities to learn and apply digital skills, thereby increasing their employability and entrepreneurial prospects,” he explained.
He did, however, mention that resolving the issue would necessitate teamwork.
“Providing accessible and relevant digital skills training to Nigerian youths requires a collaborative effort among government, educational institutions, private sector organizations, and individuals.”
“Bridging the digital skills gap among young graduates necessitates a multifaceted approach.”
“Getbundi has articulated some strategies that can be implemented in this regard, one of which is to update educational curriculum.”
in secondary and tertiary institutions.
“Most schools teach students with outdated and irrelevant curriculum that is devoid of digital skills.”
“It is critical that the curriculum be updated with relevant skills such as coding, data analysis, and cybersecurity, among others, to prepare these youth for the digital economy.”
“We must also promote digital literacy programs that target individuals who are already in the workforce or have limited educational opportunities.”
“These programs can provide training workshops, online courses, and resources to improve digital skills.”
“Public-private partnerships can be formed to expand the reach and effectiveness of such initiatives.”
“We must also strengthen digital infrastructure to improve access to reliable internet connectivity across the country.”
“This can be accomplished by expanding broadband infrastructure and lowering the cost of internet services.”
“Access to affordable and reliable internet is critical for individuals to acquire and improve digital skills, so we must raise awareness, change mindsets, and try to highlight the importance of digital skills in the current job market and overall societal development.”
