Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has called for increased deployment of technology in the education sector to better prepare the younger generation for the technology-driven workforce of the 21st century. He made these remarks during the keynote address at the second matriculation ceremony of Miva Open University in Abuja over the weekend.
Osinbajo stated, “A traditional brick-and-mortar approach to university education is no longer viable. Education policymakers, teachers, students, and employers must recognize that the conventional methods of education have fundamentally changed.” He emphasized that both the content and delivery of education must evolve to align with the demands of today’s job market, which is increasingly influenced by advancements in technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.
He noted that rote learning and memorization are outdated, explaining, “The focus should not be on how much information one possesses, but rather on how to utilize that information to address real-life challenges.” He emphasized that real-life problems are diverse and often transcend the curricula of traditional academic disciplines.
Osinbajo praised Miva Open University as a model for the future of higher education, stressing the importance of accessibility. He highlighted that approximately 1.7 million candidates take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) each year, yet only about 400,000 secure admission to universities, leaving around 1.3 million young people without opportunities for higher education. “With Nigeria’s population growing by about six million annually, traditional methods of building physical universities cannot meet this demand,” he remarked.
In his address to the new students, Osinbajo underscored the significance of integrity, stating, “True success lies in leaving a lasting impact through your work and the values you impart to others.” He urged students to uphold high moral principles, emphasizing that integrity is increasingly scarce but highly valued in society.
Prof. Tayo Arulogun, Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University, congratulated the new students and reiterated the institution’s commitment to providing quality education. He announced that over 3,000 students are matriculating into 14 undergraduate programs across four schools, indicating the university’s rapid growth since its inception.
Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), also pledged the Commission’s support to ensure the university fulfills its educational mandate.
