As a follow-up to the earlier one held last October, 2024, the National Universities Commission (NUC) in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) held a two-day workshop aimed at validating the Draft National Graduate Employability Framework (GEFNU) and chart a clear course for its implementation across Nigerian universities, with the theme: “Towards a Roadmap for the Implementation of Graduate Employability in Nigerian Universities”.
The Workshop of October 2024 focused on assessing the state of graduate employability in Nigeria and identifying strategies to develop and integrate essential skills, experiences, and attributes sought in the labour market.
This one held from April 23rd to 24th, 2025 at the Commission’s new board room was chaired by the Executive Secretary, NUC, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, who highlighted NUC’s longstanding initiatives among which included: the 2005 labour market survey in partnership with Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Revitalisation Agenda of 2018.
He acknowledged the instrumental role played by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) over the years, in addressing graduate employability challenges in Nigeria, stressing the need for practical skills integration and industry relevance in academic curricula.
He, therefore, urged stakeholders to develop strategic action plans that would elevate Nigerian universities as global centres of academic excellence.
The specific objectives of the workshop among other issues were to:
- Review and refine the proposed Graduate Employability Framework;
- Validate the outcomes of the earlier workshop and stakeholder engagements;
- Develop an institutional framework for implementation across Nigerian universities;
- Identify critical enablers and success factors for effective framework implementation.
The workshop concluded with a strong, collective commitment by all stakeholders to support the successful rollout and implementation of the National Graduate Employability Framework across Nigerian universities.
Stakeholders expressed their belief that this effort will lead to the production of fit-for-purpose graduates equipped to contribute effectively to national development and global competitiveness.
The workshop featured a variety of participatory sessions and expert-led discussions, including: remarks on the importance of a strategic roadmap; Presentation of the Draft National Graduate Employability Framework (GEFNU) and Group Work: Review and analysis of the framework.
Some of the resolutions adopted at the conclusion of the workshop include:
- Adoption of the validated National Graduate Employability Framework for Nigerian Universities (GEFNU) as a guiding document;
- Adaptation of the national framework for institutional use;
- NUC to lead and coordinate implementation across the university system; and
- Pilot testing of the framework in selected Nigerian universities.
The participants recommneded among others, the Conduct of a new labour market expectations study to update findings from the 2005 NUC-TETFund survey; Establishment of a national Monitoring and Evaluation mechanism under the NUC’s M&E and Accreditation Directorates; Investment in capacity building for academic and administrative staff in employability-focused curriculum design and implementation; Fostering strong partnerships with industry, employers, and alumni to ensure long-term sustainability; as well as Seeking policy support and funding from government and donor agencies for full framework implementation.
Meanwhile, the participants extended their appreciation to the NUC and COL for their vision and commitment to enhancing graduate employability in Nigeria.
Special recognition was given to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Yususfu Ribadu for his continuous commitment and support in collaborating with COL in addressing graduate employability challenges in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Consultant and Resource Person, Professor Obhajajie Juliet Inegbedion was commended for her invaluable guidance in the course of the workshop, while theAg. Director, Open, Distance and eLearning (DODel),Dr Funmilayo Morebise and her team, for their contributions to the successful organisation of the workshop.
Participants at the workshop include: Officials and staff of the NUC, Academics and faculty representatives, Directors of Career Services, SIWES, Entrepreneurship and Academic Planning from Nigerian universities, the Chairman, Committee of Directors of Academic Planning of Nigerian Universities and Representatives from industry, employers, and development organisations.