Education leaders and industry professionals have called for universities to produce digitally literate, adaptable, and problem-solving graduates capable of meeting the demands of the modern workplace.
The call was made at the University of Lagos International Week 2026, held on Tuesday at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, Akoka, Lagos, with the theme, “Re-imagining Pedagogy and Teaching for Higher Education in the 21st Century.”
The event brought together academics, education policymakers and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of higher education, the role of technology in learning and the skills graduates need to succeed.
In her keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, emphasised the importance of developing graduates who can identify problems and demonstrate sufficient digital literacy.
She also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in education, stressing that technology should strengthen the learning process rather than weaken it.
Discussions during the panel sessions focused on the relevance of university education, graduate employability, character and the relationship between academic institutions and industry.
Responding to a question on whether university education was becoming a scam, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Matthew Ilori Fas affirmed that it was not, as discussions centred on the need to make higher education more relevant to students and the workplace.
Panelists also identified curiosity, adaptability, sound judgement and integrity as important qualities employers look for in graduates, while poor judgement and a sense of entitlement were highlighted as potential red flags.
The speakers further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between universities, government and industry, including increased access to scholarships and greater investment in African students.
A major highlight of the event was the AfriTech Innovation Challenge, which recognised innovative solutions developed by participants.
The third-place team received a prize of ₦1 million for developing an AI adapter, while Team Echo Project secured second place and a prize of ₦1.5 million. The first-place prize of ₦2 million was awarded to a team of persons with disabilities.
The event also featured a musical interlude by University of Lagos students, followed by an award presentation and a closing rendition of the university anthem.
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