By Law Ibitoye
A Professor of Technical Education at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), Prof. Abel Ibidapo, has called for a comprehensive transformation of Nigeria’s education system through greater emphasis on practical skills acquisition, stronger industry partnerships, and sustained investment in technical education.
Prof. Ibidapo made the call while delivering the university’s 9th Inaugural Lecture titled, “Hands-On Skills: The New Currency in a 21st-Century Workforce.”
Addressing the Vice-Chancellor, members of the university management, staff, students and guests, the professor described skills development as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness in the modern era.
He argued that education must move beyond the traditional focus on classroom instruction and theoretical knowledge to embrace experiential learning, critical thinking, collaboration and practical problem-solving.
According to him, higher institutions should align their teaching and research activities with societal needs, ensuring that academic work contributes directly to solving economic, technological, environmental and social challenges.
“Research should not exist in isolation from society. It must focus on solving economic, technological, environmental and social challenges while creating opportunities for innovation and national development,” he said.
The inaugural lecturer stressed that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient for success in the contemporary labour market, noting that students must acquire practical and marketable skills alongside their academic credentials.
The Emure born don, observed that employers increasingly seek graduates who can apply knowledge effectively, communicate efficiently, adapt to changing work environments and contribute meaningfully to organisational objectives.
Prof. Ibidapo identified technical, digital, entrepreneurial and interpersonal skills as essential competencies for career advancement and national productivity. He also called for increased investment in laboratories, workshops, innovation hubs and staff development programmes, describing such investments as indispensable to quality education and impactful research.
“Modern education and research require state-of-the-art facilities where ideas can be tested, refined and transformed into practical solutions. Equally important is the continuous development of academic staff to keep pace with emerging trends and technologies,” he stated.
The professor further advocated sustainable funding for technical and vocational education, noting that consistent investment would enable institutions to maintain modern equipment, review curricula regularly and provide industry-relevant training. He maintained that adequate funding would expand access to technical education, reduce unemployment and underemployment, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen the nation’s workforce.
According to him, countries that prioritise technical education and skills development are better positioned to achieve sustainable economic growth and remain competitive in the global economy.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Ibidapo declared that the future belongs not merely to the educated, but to the “skilled educated,” stressing that practical skills are vital for transforming knowledge into value and education into national development.
“The emerging global order is increasingly driven by skills. Skills are the new currency, and universities, particularly technical education institutions, must lead the charge in minting them,” he said.
Dignitaries at the inaugural lecture include: HRM Oba James Babatunde AJiboye Otutuniosun 1,the Elemure of Emure Ekiti, chiefs and religious leaders.