The Universities of Lagos and Ekiti States are set to host transformative educational programmes July as part of an international initiative to bridge the skills gap in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving economy.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) will host a five-day program from July 21-25, followed by Ekiti State University from July 28 to August 1. Both programmes are organized by Professors Without Borders in partnership with local faculty, focus on “Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability: Empowering Digital Transformation.
Professors Without Borders is a UK-registered charity organization dedicated to expanding educational access in underserved communities worldwide.
According to Dr. Bob Eckhart, Lead Professor for Nigeria Programs and a Fulbright Scholar, “Over 200 students and faculty members across both institutions will gain direct access to expertise in social entrepreneurship, African finance, research methodology, and artificial intelligence tools – skills increasingly critical for success in Nigeria’s modern job market.
Dr. Eckhart who is returning to Nigeria for the fourth time after working across three continents, explained that the programs are not just about teaching theory.
“Students will pitch their own social enterprises, develop policy solutions for Nigeria’s economic challenges, and master the digital tools that employers now expect.”
The programmes feature international educators including Charlie Dove-Edwin, an investment banking veteran who lectures at Richmond University London, and local talent with Dr Bonnie Ayodele from Ekiti State University, and Oluseyi Sodiya, a Nigerian technology professional with over 20 years of experience in IT and digital transformation.
“Local professors will be invited to participate alongside students, gaining exposure to international teaching methodologies and research techniques that they can integrate into their regular curricula.”This partnership represents exactly the kind of knowledge exchange that strengthens our institutions,” said Dr. Bonnie Ayodele, Associate Professor at Ekiti State University.
“Our students benefit from global perspectives while our faculty enhance their teaching capabilities.”
The initiative addresses Nigeria’s growing demand for graduates equipped with both technical skills and entrepreneurial mindsets. Recent graduates from previous Professors Without Borders programs have secured positions at major Nigerian companies and started their own businesses.
The programmes are part of a broader five-year strategic expansion plan to reach 15+ Nigerian universities and train over 2,000 students by 2030, directly supporting Nigeria’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and human capital development.
Since 2016, the organization has delivered programs to students across multiple universities in Europe, Asia and Africa, maintaining a 90% satisfaction rate.
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