The managing director of Atlas Copco Nigeria, Olusola Aluko, has said that a significant majority of Nigerian engineering graduates were entering the workforce with insufficient practical skills.
Aluko, while quoting a publication in the Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, said over 70 per cent of Nigerian engineering graduates lack the practical skills required by industry employers.
Aluko, who disclosed this in an interview with LEADERSHIP, added that the skills gap was further exacerbated by a shortage of experts in critical areas like renewable energy (only 12 per cent of Nigerian engineers specialize in this field) and cybersecurity (a staggering 90 per cent of African businesses lack cybersecurity protocol).
On what drives the skills gap, Aluko said one major cause is the inadequate education and training infrastructure. “Nigeria’s engineering education system is often criticised for being theory-focused, with limited emphasis on practical training. This is compounded by a lack of industry-academia collaboration, resulting in curricula that fail to address industry needs. For instance, a UNESCO report notes that only 22 per cent of Nigerian engineering programs have industry partnerships.
“This gap was encapsulated in an article by 4 Nigerians in the Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, where they highlighted the challenges of engineering education in Nigeria; Firstly, the engineering curriculum lacks the necessary updates to align with global standards, rendering Nigerian graduates less competitive on the international labour market. Secondly, many engineering graduates lack hands-on experience with tools, impacting their practical skills. Thirdly, deteriorating laboratories and outdated equipment in Nigerian institutions pose a significant concern, limiting the quality of practical education provided to engineering students.
“Furthermore, the lack of collaboration between universities and industries in Nigeria impedes practical education and industry exposure essential for engineering students. The industries need the educational system to solve real, practical challenges, and the educational system needs the industries to generate revenue through royalties and provide industry experience for students before graduation.”
To address these consequences, the Atlas Copco MD recommended that it’s essential to develop practical skills training programs that focus on emerging technologies and industry needs. “This includes programs in renewable energy, cybersecurity, and data analytics, among others. Such programs will help engineers develop the skills required to address industry challenges and drive innovation and growth.
“Industry-academia partnerships can help develop curricula that address industry needs and provide students with hands-on experience. This includes collaborative research projects, internships, and mentorship programs that bring together industry experts and academia. By working together, industry and academia can develop training programs that address the skills gap and drive innovation.
“Government initiatives, such as scholarships and funding for education and training programs, can also help bridge the skills gap. This includes funding for research and development, as well as initiatives that promote STEM education and careers. By supporting education and training, the government can help develop the skills required to drive innovation and growth.”
“Mentorship programs, pairing experienced engineers with younger professionals, can help transfer knowledge and skills. This includes programs that pair experienced engineers with students, recent graduates, and early-career engineers. By sharing their experience and expertise, mentors can help develop the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation and growth,” he added.
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