Education Experts Call for Overhaul of Nigeria's Innovation System
Prominent education specialists have strongly criticized Nigeria's Ministries of Science and Technology for their failure to effectively promote and support innovation across the country. The experts made this strong submission during the 1st International Conference on Business, Finance and Entrepreneurship (IBUFINE 2025) held at North Eastern University in Gombe.
The conference, organized in collaboration with the Certified Institute of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Education (CIEEE), focused on the theme "Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development." Held on 27 November 2025, the event brought together leading voices in education and entrepreneurship to address critical gaps in Nigeria's innovation ecosystem.
Universities Urged to Shift from Teaching to Venture Creation
Professor Nuruddeen Oyekola, Registrar and CEO of the Certified Institute of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Education, expressed deep concern about the current state of innovation support. He lamented that the ministries are not doing enough to support scientific discoveries and the commercialization of products, leaving numerous innovations to gather dust in laboratories without practical application.
Professor Oyekola emphasized that universities need to move beyond merely teaching entrepreneurship to actively creating ventures. He stressed that project-based learning and collaboration across different academic departments are essential for driving real innovation. The professor also recommended that students should be guided to study disciplines that align with their natural talents and crafts, noting this approach would significantly enhance their success rates and innovation capacity.
Mastering AI and Developing Soft Skills Crucial for Job Market
Another key speaker at the conference, Professor Babangida Muhammad Musa from Gombe State University, highlighted the urgent need for students to develop soft skills to thrive in the era of the industrial revolution. He emphasized that incorporating an entrepreneurship mindset into all disciplines' curricula is crucial for Nigeria's economic growth and development.
Professor Musa strongly recommended adopting project-based learning in universities, where students can develop critical thinking skills and present innovative solutions to real-world problems. He specifically encouraged students to master Artificial Intelligence (AI) to maintain their competitive edge in the evolving job market.
"Even in the AI era, be innovative to learn how to manage AI so that it will not take over your job. If you develop yourself beyond the AI, then you become the master of the AI, and industries will look for you," Professor Musa advised participants.
The professor also suggested that universities should regularly invite industry leaders to share their experiences with students, providing valuable insights into entrepreneurship and essential skills needed in the modern workplace.
University Leadership Commits to Practical Education Approach
Professor Sani Jauro, the Pro-chancellor of North Eastern University, Gombe, confirmed the institution's commitment to balancing classroom lectures with practical conference experiences that expose students to real-life expertise. He mentioned the university's recent partnerships with international universities in Malaysia and organizations in China that focus specifically on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Dr. Abubakar Aliyu, Head of Business Administration at North Eastern University Gombe, stated that the conference aimed to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in students, equipping them to address Nigeria's unemployment challenges effectively.
"By promoting innovation, students can create jobs for themselves. With the university's first graduation approaching next year, the goal is to ensure students secure employment immediately after graduating," Dr. Aliyu explained, highlighting the practical outcomes expected from the institution's educational approach.
The consensus among experts was clear: Nigeria requires immediate and comprehensive reforms in its education system and ministry operations to foster the innovation culture necessary for sustainable national development.
