‘Nigeria must seize 21st-century industrial revolution’

The Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Professor Dilli Dogo in a stark and urgent warning has declared that Nigeria and the broader African continent cannot afford to be mere spectators in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He cautioned that repeating the “past mistakes of missing earlier industrial revolutions” would be a catastrophic failure with long-term consequences. […]

The Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Professor Dilli Dogo in a stark and urgent warning has declared that Nigeria and the broader African continent cannot afford to be mere spectators in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He cautioned that repeating the “past mistakes of missing earlier industrial revolutions” would be a catastrophic failure with long-term consequences.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the university’s 2025 convocation, Prof. Dogo positioned the inauguration of the new Nile Business School (NBS) as a direct and necessary response to this pressing national challenge.
He stated that universities carry the profound responsibility of shaping a generation of graduates who can not only meet global workforce expectations but also drive meaningful local development.
“This convocation comes at a time when Nile University is redefining education to align with the needs of the 21st-century workforce,” Dogo explained. “We are focused on producing graduates with not just certificates, but the skills, mentorship, and practical experience to make meaningful contributions in Nigeria and beyond.”
The VC’s message underscores a critical gap between traditional education and the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven global economy.
This gap was further highlighted by Noel Tagoe, Dean of the new Business School which was recently launched who cited research showing a stark disconnect: while 80% of academics believe their teaching is relevant, only 42% of graduates and 45% of employers agree.
“This shows there’s a gap between education and the world of work, and that’s exactly what we intend to bridge,” Tagoe stated.
Prof. Dogo concluded with a reaffirmation of this mission, declaring Nile University’s programs as “unashamedly Nigerian in focus,” while preparing students to lead in Africa and beyond, ensuring the nation secures its place in the 21st-century industrial landscape.