By Esther Onyegbula

Human capital development and education reform took centre stage at the 2025 Nigerian Investment Forum as stakeholders stressed the need to align Nigeria’s learning systems with labour market realities to boost long-term economic competitiveness.

The forum, organised by Hullbridge Solicitors with Docenti Global Business School as one of its major sponsors, brought together policymakers, investors, private sector leaders and development experts to examine priority sectors driving sustainable growth, with education and workforce readiness identified as critical investment enablers.

Speaking as a panellist, Prof. Humphrey Akanazu, Executive Principal of Docenti Global Business School and former country director and co-founder of Rome Business School Nigeria, said the future of learning is being reshaped by a growing emphasis on agile, job-ready skills, noting that traditional education models are increasingly giving way to competency-focused training.

According to him, micro-credentials are emerging globally as a major driver of this transformation, redefining how skills are acquired and validated. He explained that the short, focused certifications attest to mastery of specific, in-demand competencies such as data analysis, project management, digital marketing, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

“Unlike broad, time-based degrees, micro-credentials clearly signal what an individual can actually do, making candidates more attractive and transparent to employers in a competitive labour market,” Akanazu said.

He added that flexibility remains one of the strongest advantages of micro-credentials, as professionals can upskill or reskill through just-in-time learning without committing to lengthy academic programmes. The ability to stack multiple micro-credentials into personalised learning pathways, he noted, also allows learners to build broader qualifications while maintaining control over their career progression.

Globally, Akanazu observed, employers are increasingly recognising the value of micro-credentials, often viewing them as strengthening job applications and, in some cases, contributing to improved compensation outcomes.

Beyond micro-credentials, discussions at the forum also focused on the shift toward skill-based and competency-based education, which places emphasis on measurable learning outcomes rather than duration of study. Akanazu said this approach, often developed in collaboration with industry experts, helps close the long-standing gap between academic training and workplace needs.

“Competency-based education improves employability and supports lifelong learning, which is now essential in a digital economy where skills evolve rapidly,” he said.

Digital transformation was identified as a major enabler of these changes, with online and hybrid learning models expanding access to education, especially for working professionals and non-traditional learners. Akanazu noted a strong global demand for programmes in artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security and digital transformation, describing them as foundational to future economic growth and innovation.

Within this context, Docenti Global Business School was cited as positioning itself around practicality, flexibility and industry-relevant skills. Its programmes, designed to bridge theory and real-world application, were described as aligning with the principles of skill-based education, enabling immediate workplace impact.

The institution’s industry-driven curricula, delivered by faculty with both academic and business experience, as well as specialised programmes such as its MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for managers and targeted employability skills development courses, were highlighted as reflecting the growing demand for outcome-driven learning.

Global collaboration and flexible delivery models were also identified as essential to the credibility of modern qualifications. Through online learning structures and partnerships with international institutions, including the European Global Institute of Innovation and Technology, Docenti Global Business School was referenced as an example of how education providers can enhance global recognition and learner mobility.

Overall, deliberations at the Nigerian Investment Forum reinforced the view that education reform is a strategic investment priority. Stakeholders agreed that embracing flexible, competency-driven learning models and supporting the growth of micro-credentials would strengthen Nigeria’s human capital base, close critical skills gaps and improve the country’s global competitiveness.

Participants also called for sustained collaboration among policymakers, investors, educators and industry leaders to ensure that Nigeria’s learning systems evolve in line with its development ambitions.