By Juliet Umeh

As Nigeria faces a growing disconnect between academia and industry, James Hope University, JHU, Lekki, is calling for a technology-led transformation of the nation’s universities to prepare graduates for the digital economy.

Speaking at JHU’s maiden public lecture series with the theme: “The Nigerian University: The Search for Meaning and Relevance,” education leaders stressed that Nigerian universities must evolve into innovation hubs and AI-compliant institutions capable of driving national development.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Zacharys Gundu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mkar, Benue State, argued that only a strategic realignment can restore the relevance of Nigerian universities.

“The university’s role goes beyond teaching and research. It must serve national interest, security, and development,” he said, proposing that Nigeria retain just seven fully funded federal research universities to focus resources on world-class competitiveness.

Prof. Abiola Babajide, Dean of JHU’s School of Business, highlighted the persistent gap between education, government, and industry.

“While Nigerian graduates excel abroad, local universities often fail to equip students with skills the modern workforce demands,” she said.

Prof. Antonia Simbine, Director-General of NISER, urged universities to reclaim their identity as thinking institutions, generating ideas that drive societal change.

Also, the University Registrar Dr. Uzoma Achugamonu emphasized that the university’s curriculum integrates industrial exposure, digital tools, and entrepreneurial training.

“To remain relevant, universities must be digitally and AI-compliant. Our graduates are prepared for the real-world challenges of the digital economy from day one,” he said.

The lecture series reinforces JHU’s commitment to becoming a leading innovation-focused university in Africa, signaling a broader push for Nigeria’s higher education system to embrace technology, AI, and practical skills as drivers of national development.