Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State has called for an urgent overhaul of the curriculum in Nigeria’s polytechnics and universities of technology, urging educational institutions to embrace artificial intelligence, digital innovation and emerging technologies to prepare students for the future economy.
The governor said the nation’s tertiary education system must adapt to rapidly changing global realities, warning that academic certificates alone may soon become insufficient in an increasingly skills-driven world.
Uzodimma made the call at the weekend when a delegation of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) paid him a courtesy visit at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri.
According to him, the future belongs to individuals equipped with practical and marketable skills rather than those who rely solely on academic qualifications.
“The future belongs to those with the right skills. In a few years, certificates alone may no longer guarantee employment. People want to know what you can do,” the governor said.
He urged polytechnics and other technical institutions to reposition themselves for the Fourth Industrial Revolution by prioritising training in artificial intelligence, robotics, digital technology and innovation-driven education.
The governor also challenged ASUP and other stakeholders in the education sector to champion curriculum reforms that reflect current labour market realities.
He advised institutions to regularly conduct labour-market assessments to ensure that graduates possess skills that meet industry demands and remain competitive in the global economy.
Drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s growing reputation as a technology-driven economy, Uzodimma said Nigeria has the human capital and natural resources needed to compete globally if its educational system is properly aligned with modern technological trends.
He stressed that the country’s development aspirations would remain difficult to achieve without deliberate investments in science, technology and skills acquisition.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of technical education and the welfare of workers in the state, while encouraging the visiting ASUP delegation to take advantage of their stay to experience the hospitality and developmental strides of Imo State.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Mr. Chibuzor Asomugha, who represented the National President of ASUP, Dr. Shammah Kpanja, commended Governor Uzodimma for his contributions to education, infrastructure development and workers’ welfare.
Asomugha also praised the governor’s intervention in resolving the union’s dispute with the Federal Government, noting that his efforts contributed significantly to the eventual signing of an agreement between both parties.
He described Imo as one of the most peaceful and rapidly developing states in the country, citing improvements in road infrastructure, prompt payment of salaries, implementation of the new minimum wage and ongoing employment opportunities.
However, he drew the governor’s attention to concerns raised by staff of Imo State Polytechnic, including salary disparities, non-implementation of promotion benefits and unresolved relocation issues.
The union appealed to the state government to intervene and address the concerns in order to improve staff welfare and enhance productivity within the institution.
Among those present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru; Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; Head of Service, Mrs. Chikodi Emenalon; Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Chima; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Paul Obinatu; and members of the State Expanded Executive Council.
