The real crisis in Nigerian computing education stems from a deep disconnect between classrooms and active tech companies rather than obsolete academic syllabi, according to a leading academic expert.
National President of Nigeria Women in Information Technology, NIWIIT, Dr. (Mrs) Oluwakemi Ayodele stated this at the ongoing Nigeria Computer Society, NCS International Conference (RISE 2026) in Jos, Plateau State, insisting that recent nationwide curriculum overhauls have already set a solid foundation for tech training.
Dr. Ayodele who was one of the panelists at the conference highlighted the unbundling of Higher National Diploma Computer Science programs in polytechnics into four specialized tracks alongside the creation of university Faculties of Computing as major victories for modern education.
However, the Dean of the School of Applied Sciences at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja warned that even the most advanced training manual fails if students lack direct workplace exposure.
“No matter how robust a curriculum is, it cannot fully prepare students without meaningful industry engagement,” Ayodele stated, calling for an immediate shift toward real world problem solving.
The National President of Nigeria Women in Information Technology argued that student internships must undergo a complete overhaul to deliver genuine value to the nation.
“Industrial Training and SIWES should not be treated as mere academic requirements,” Ayodele declared while pushing tech firms to actively mentor young talent.
She urged corporate organizations to intentionally absorb students during internship periods, immersing them in live projects, modern tools, and professional ethics.
The former university visiting lecturer stressed that hands on industry collaboration remains the only true bridge between theoretical knowledge and workplace readiness.
Only through dynamic public private partnerships can Nigerian tertiary institutions output graduates equipped to drive technological and economic growth.
Dr. Ayodele concluded that the future of computing education depends entirely on building strong, sustainable alliances between academia and industry leaders.
