Advocating for Stronger Connection Between Tech Education and Industry

Nigeria has emerged as a key player in Africa’s tech revolution, consistently securing top-tier investment. The Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), enacted in 2022, provides incentives such as tax reliefs and funding, yet gaps in infrastructure, education, and research limit its impact. Addressing these challenges is essential for sustained growth.

One major hurdle is the disconnect between universities and the industry. Unlike India and China, where research institutions collaborate with businesses to drive technological advancement, Nigeria’s curriculum remains outdated. Universities must update their research labs to accommodate technology-minded faculties and revamp curricula to focus on AI, Data, and Design, ensuring graduates are equipped for the evolving digital landscape.

Additionally, the country faces infrastructure deficits—unreliable electricity and inadequate broadband hinder productivity. Strengthening technology transfer mechanisms will enable Nigeria to adapt and refine global innovations to suit local needs, boosting competitiveness.

While reforms are ongoing, collaboration—especially in STEM education—should not be overlooked. While I have personally worked across tech education and industry, I have seen firsthand the potential in the resilience of Nigerians and the economy. This collaboration is crucial to nurturing a sustainable ecosystem that can grow and evolve.

One of the latest developments in the world is the Trump tariff and the suspension of funding through USAID and other intervention funding from America. While this is shocking, we must understand that the Trump administration is focused on an America First agenda and is seeking renegotiation for fairer terms for the United States. Nigeria and Africa must see this as an opportunity to rejig innovation, stimulate local solutions, and increase collaboration across sectors. This could be a pivotal moment for Africa to harness its own resources, innovate, and strengthen regional partnerships to reduce reliance on external aid.

Despite these obstacles, Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is expanding rapidly, attracting private and public sector investment in digital training. While this is a positive step, fostering homegrown innovation, patent development, and deeper academia-industry collaboration is crucial to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential.

To achieve its $1 trillion economy goal by 2030, Nigeria must move beyond just training talent. A comprehensive approach—revamping university curricula, enhancing R&D funding, and incentivising industry partnerships—will accelerate technological progress. Replicating and refining existing innovations, coupled with strong local ingenuity, will drive global relevance.

With strategic reforms and sustained collaboration, Nigeria can build a dynamic knowledge economy, strengthen its position as a continental tech leader, and contribute meaningfully to global innovation.

Tosin Ojo
Writes from Lagos