Nigerian Undergraduate Curriculum and Skills Requirements for Industry: Implications for Sustainable Development Goal 4

Abstract

As the global economy evolves, increasing emphasis is being placed on aligning educational curricula with industry needs to ensure graduates possess employable and relevant skills. In Nigeria, strengthening the alignment between undergraduate curricula and labor market requirements is essential for reducing unemployment, promoting national development, and achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which advocates inclusive, equitable, and quality education as well as lifelong learning opportunities for all. This study investigated the extent to which Nigerian undergraduate curricula align with industry skill requirements and contribute to graduates’ preparedness for employment. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving fresh graduates serving in Ibadan North as the study population. Data were collected using the Course Content, Skill Acquisition, and Preparedness for Employment Questionnaire (r = 0.86) alongside an interview guide. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). Findings revealed that curriculum content was inadequate in preparing graduates for the world of work, with a mean score of 1.66, far below the acceptance criterion of 2.50. The study also identified a mild but statistically significant relationship between curriculum-related factors and preparedness for entrepreneurial or paid employment (r = 0.311; p < 0.05). The study concluded that aligning Nigerian undergraduate curricula with industry skill requirements is crucial for achieving SDG 4. It therefore recommended that the National Universities Commission tailor undergraduate curricula to industry demands while universities equip students with industry-ready skills.