The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has advocated for the overhaul of outdated curricula in Nigerian universities.
In his convocation lecture on Thursday, marking the 37th convocation and 50th anniversary of the University of Calabar, Kalu pointed out that with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), many Nigerian courses are becoming irrelevant and disconnected from real-world problem-solving in line with modern demands.
He stressed the need for Nigerian universities to adapt to current challenges and focus on equipping students with critical tech skills, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. “The challenge before us is clear—our universities must go beyond theory and create practical impacts, connecting academia with the real world and even cyberspace, where knowledge is applied,” he said.
Kalu further emphasized that universities should stop teaching courses that do not empower students to become problem-solvers. “There is too much focus on CGPA, but it should be about problem-solving. Outdated teaching methods do not prepare students for future challenges,” he added.
The lawmaker highlighted that university research should go beyond theoretical studies to offer tangible solutions for pressing societal issues like healthcare, water access, food security, and transportation.
He also called for a shift in curricula, noting that law faculties should incorporate blockchain technology and engineering students should embrace robotics.
Kalu argued that when universities mirror the needs of society, they can drive national progress and contribute to global knowledge. He also emphasized the importance of impactful teaching by university lecturers, who shape the country’s future leaders—those who will make critical decisions on policies, laws, and governance in the years to come.
