BY AMARA CHIDINMA EZENEDIRU

The question of how best to align our education system with the needs of today’s workforce has become increasingly urgent. This gap between what is taught in schools and what is required in the labor market leaves the workforce underutilized and, in some cases, disengaged. This must be responsible for the 40% youth unemployment rate.

Our education system, shaped by colonial legacies and historical challenges, is yet to meet the evolving demands of the global workforce. The disconnect is stark, as industries seek practical skills like emotional intelligence, problem-solving, digital literacy, creative and critical thinking, while schools continue to focus heavily on rote learning and theoretical knowledge. But for the privileged few in non-state schools, it’s dim for the rest.

The first step in retooling our education system for an optimized workforce is to embrace a curriculum overhaul. The focus must shift from theoretical knowledge to practical skills. This can be achieved by integrating vocational training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial education into primary and secondary school curricula. Teachers must be thoroughly equipped for this. They must lead by example. This way, students will be prepared to face our dynamic world.

This overhaul requires a fundamental shift in the way we view education. It’s not just about preparing students for exams but preparing them for life. Schools must embrace a hands-on approach, where students can engage with the world of work through internships, apprenticeships, and collaborations with industries. This would allow students to gain real-world experience, understand industry expectations, and be better prepared for the job market. More than just reading about the world, students should be immersed in it, testing theories in practice.

Across Africa, countries are grappling with similar challenges. The continent is home to a burgeoning youth population, but without the necessary skills, Africa risks missing out on the opportunity to become a global economic powerhouse. Relevant formal education should not just be for the rich, it should be fundamental to every child. Of course, this is for a nation with proactive leaders.

To optimize Africa’s workforce, we need to embrace a vision where education systems are not just about academic achievement but about preparing young people to be job creators, problem solvers, and innovators. The private sector must collaborate with educational institutions to identify skills gaps and ensure that curriculums reflect the demands of the job market. Governments must create policies that encourage this synergy, ensuring that both education and industry are working hand in hand.

The path to an optimized workforce begins with the education system. We have the talent, the potential, and the drive. By retooling our education system, we will be positioning Africa for a quick transformation.

This transformation is within our reach, but it requires concerted effort from both government and citizens. Let’s come together to reimagine education and create a workforce that is prepared for the future. The time for change is now.

To read about the author’s thoughts on education, click here

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A distinguished teacher, an author of award-winning books, a neuro-linguistic programming coach, human resource generalist, business administrator, management consultant and an articulate public speaker, Amara’s background in marketing, education and management makes her outstanding in the delivery of overall business services for optimal productivity. When she is not in the boardroom, she’s in the classroom or in her writing room.