The Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has called on Nigerian universities to shift their focus from producing large numbers of graduates to delivering education that creates measurable value for society.

Speaking at the Second School Lecture Series organised by the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (SAFNR) of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ajibefun said higher institutions would increasingly be judged by their relevance rather than their enrolment figures.

“A university will no longer be measured by the number of graduates it produces, but by the quality of teaching, relevance of research, graduate employability, communal impact, and contribution to sustainable development,” he said.

The lecture, titled “Strategic Pathways to a Sustainable Environment for Teaching, Learning, Research and Community Service in a Growing University,” was delivered on his behalf by Dr. Adewale Olutumise, a Senior Lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

Why it matters

The remarks come as Nigerian universities face increasing pressure to improve graduate employability, strengthen research output and respond more effectively to national development challenges.

Experts have long argued that while access to higher education has expanded across the country, concerns remain over infrastructure, funding, skills development and the ability of graduates to compete in an evolving labour market.

Ajibefun, a former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, said growth in student population must be matched with investment in facilities, qualified staff and research infrastructure.

“As student population increases, facilities must expand. As new programmes are introduced, more qualified staff must be recruited. As research expectations rise, laboratories, farms, libraries, and digital infrastructure must be strengthened. As society gets more complex, the university must become more responsive.”

He described sustainability as maintaining quality teaching through relevant curricula, responsible environmental management, ethical research, prudent financial management and social inclusion.

Ten priorities for universities

The commissioner outlined ten strategic pathways that he believes universities should adopt to remain relevant.

These include accountable leadership, sustainable infrastructure, student-centred teaching, research that addresses real-world problems, digital transformation, staff development, stronger community partnerships, closer collaboration with industry, ethical institutional culture, and diversified funding.

“Sustainability does not happen by accident. It must be deliberately planned, patiently built, and consistently protected.”

He added:

“Sustainability means building today with tomorrow in mind. Expanding without losing quality. Teaching with purpose. Researching with relevance. Leading with integrity and serving with humility. Let OAUSTECH be known for impact, excellence, vision, innovation, discipline, collaboration, and commitment.”

University welcomes challenge

OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, described the lecture as timely and relevant for universities navigating rapid expansion.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, he praised the President of Aduro Farms, Dr. Anthony Aduro, for supporting students through internship opportunities and for pledging ₦100 million towards scaling up university projects.

Earlier, the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Prof. Orimoloye Faleyimu, encouraged participants to apply the lessons discussed during the lecture to improve teaching, research and community engagement.

Industry perspective

Education analysts say stronger partnerships between universities and industries are becoming increasingly important as employers seek graduates with practical skills alongside academic qualifications.

They argue that universities capable of producing research that addresses agriculture, technology, climate change and entrepreneurship are more likely to contribute to economic growth and attract investment.

What happens next?

The recommendations are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions about reforming Nigeria’s higher education system, particularly as universities seek alternative funding sources, modernise learning environments and improve graduate outcomes.

The event concluded with an Award of Recognition and Excellence presented to Dr. Anthony Aduro, President of Aduro Farms and Aduro Foundation, in recognition of his contributions to the university.

Government officials, academics, traditional rulers, staff and students attended the event.

Prospective students seeking admission into the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) have been given an additional week to complete their applications after the academy extended its registration deadline from Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The extension offers another opportunity for qualified candidates who experienced technical difficulties or were unable to finish their registration before the original closing date.

Why it matters

The Nigeria Police Academy is one of the country’s specialised higher institutions that combines university education with professional police training.

For many young Nigerians hoping to build careers in law enforcement and public service, admission into the academy provides a pathway to becoming commissioned officers in the Nigeria Police Force.

Announcing the extension on Tuesday, the academy said the decision was approved by its Commandant, AIG Patrick A. Atayero, to ensure eligible applicants are not excluded because they could not complete the online process on time.

The academy said: “The online application portal for the current admission exercise has been extended by one week. The application portal, which was earlier scheduled to close on Wednesday, 15th July, 2026, will now officially close on Wednesday, 22nd July, 2026.”

It added that the extension was approved “to accommodate qualified candidates who encountered difficulties or were unable to complete their registrations within the initial timeframe.”

The Commandant also urged applicants not to delay further.

“All interested applicants should utilise this valuable opportunity to complete and submit their applications before the new deadline. No further extensions will be granted,” the academy said.

What applicants should know

Candidates are expected to complete their applications through the academy’s official admission portal before the new deadline.

The institution also advised applicants experiencing difficulties to use its official support channels for enquiries or complaints.

Expert perspective

Education policy analysts say deadline extensions often help improve access by allowing more qualified candidates to complete applications, particularly when online systems experience heavy traffic or technical issues.

However, they also advise applicants not to wait until the final days before submitting their forms, as increased demand close to the deadline can lead to delays or network congestion.

Public perspective

For many prospective applicants and their families, the extension provides another opportunity to finalise required documents and avoid missing admission into one of Nigeria’s most competitive security-focused tertiary institutions.

What’s next?

The application portal will remain open until Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The academy has stated that no additional extension will be granted after that date, meaning applicants who fail to complete their registration before the deadline may have to wait for the next admission cycle.

Nigeria’s leading electro-mechanical solutions company, JMG Limited, has called for stronger collaboration between government, businesses and educational institutions to prepare young people with the technical and digital skills needed for the country’s future economy.

The appeal comes ahead of World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15, with this year’s theme, “Skills for a Shared Future.” The campaign focuses on helping young people develop technical, digital, artificial intelligence (AI), green and soft skills that are becoming increasingly important in today’s labour market.

Why it matters

Nigeria has one of the world’s youngest populations, but unemployment and underemployment remain major challenges.

Industry experts have repeatedly argued that many graduates leave school without the practical and digital skills employers require, creating a gap between education and the workplace.

JMG says closing that gap will require closer partnerships between industry and schools, alongside greater public investment in practical learning.

JMG points to practical training

The company says it is already contributing by exposing students to real industrial environments.

Earlier this year, engineering students from the University of Lagos visited JMG’s Gbagada facility during World Engineering Day, where engineers demonstrated manufacturing processes and industrial technologies.

During the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, science students from Wellspring College also toured the facility, learning about production systems, engineering operations and manufacturing workflows.

According to the company, such initiatives help students understand how classroom knowledge is applied in real industrial settings.

Company: Skills are key to economic growth

Speaking to mark World Youth Skills Day, JMG’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Gloria Ibeziako, said Nigeria’s future depends on investing in young people’s abilities.

“The future of every economy depends on the quality of its people. As technology continues to reshape industries, we must ensure that young people are equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with the digital, problem-solving and collaborative skills that will enable them to compete and succeed anywhere in the world.”

She said technological change should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat.

“Businesses have an important role to play in developing the next generation of professionals. Beyond creating jobs, organisations should support practical learning through mentorship, workplace exposure and technical training that bridge the gap between education and industry.”

Ibeziako added that developing skilled workers would strengthen Nigeria’s industrial sector and support long-term economic growth.

“Skills development is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in national progress. By nurturing a workforce that is innovative, adaptable and future-focused, we are laying the foundation for stronger industries, more resilient businesses and shared prosperity.”

Expert view

Education and labour market analysts have consistently argued that employers increasingly value practical experience alongside academic qualifications.

They say expanding industrial attachments, internships, digital literacy programmes and vocational education could improve graduate employability while helping businesses fill growing skills shortages in sectors such as engineering, manufacturing and technology.

Government and industry role

The Federal Government has introduced several initiatives aimed at expanding digital and vocational skills among young Nigerians.

However, experts say lasting progress will depend on sustained cooperation between government agencies, universities, technical institutions and private companies willing to invest in workplace learning.

What this means for young Nigerians

For students and recent graduates, employers are increasingly seeking workers who combine technical expertise with problem-solving, communication and digital skills.

Industry exposure, internships and continuous learning are also becoming critical advantages in an increasingly competitive labour market.

What’s next?

JMG says it will continue supporting technical education through partnerships with schools and practical learning programmes while advocating stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The company believes sustained investment in youth skills will help build stronger industries, improve employment opportunities and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic development.