The executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s education system to better prepare graduates for the contemporary workforce.

Mr Echono said this would also address the rising youth unemployment in the country.

Speaking at the 13th convocation lecture of Nile University in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr Echono stressed that reforms must align with curricula, teaching, and institutional priorities in light of 21st-century economic realities.

Speaking on the lecture, titled “Redefining the Nigerian Education System for the 21st Century Workforce,” he emphasised the urgent need for universities to bridge gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

“Education must focus on access, quality, and measurable outcomes,” he said. “Our graduates should acquire skills for national and individual efficiency, technological innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Mr Echono stated the inadequacy of the colonial-era, structured post-independence system and outlined the persistent challenges that continue to hinder progress.

He listed the inadequacies as insufficient funding, outdated curricula, irregular teacher salaries, policy inconsistency, and poor infrastructure.

Mr Echono stressed that tertiary institutions must respond to societal needs through workforce-oriented programmes, skill acquisition, and research-led innovation.

The TETFund boss urged government and private sector collaboration to modernise education, arguing that sustainable nation-building hinged on producing employable, socially conscious graduates.

(NAN)