Bridging the skills gap: Enhancing employability through university-industry collaborations in Nigeria

Abstract

The skills gap in Nigeria’s labour market presents significant challenges to graduate employability and economic development. University-industry collaborations offer a promising solution but remain underutilized. This study examines how such partnerships address employability issues, with a focus on curriculum co-design and the integration of technology. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and interviews with 500 graduates, 40 industry leaders, and 30 university administrators. The employability models and collaboration frameworks, therefore, informed the analysis. Outcomes suggest that partnerships between universities and industries enable graduates to possess both technical and soft skills, such as problem-solving and communication skills, that meet the industry’s needs. However, administrative inefficiencies, budget limitations, and objective conflict do hinder them from being at their best. The integration of digital technologies and ensuring labour market relevance in the curriculum are stated as key features. The findings consequently underscore the need for targeted policy changes and strategic collaborative frameworks that enhance the impact of partnerships. These issues, when addressed, will enable universities and industries to develop human resources that foster innovation and economic growth, particularly within the context of emerging economies like Nigeria.