Concerns over the widening gap between engineering education and industry demands in Nigeria took centre stage at the second edition of the Engineering Your Tomorrow (EYT) Summit 2026, where stakeholders issued a strong call for urgent reforms.
Held in Agbara, Ogun State, the summit—organised by Emma-tob International Academy (ETIA)—brought together industry experts, educators, recruiters, and students to address the growing mismatch between classroom learning and real-world engineering practice.
Speaking at the event, the convener and Director of ETIA, Engr. Debbie Oreoluwa Omolola, said her experience with global engineering standards in the United Kingdom exposed significant shortcomings in Nigeria’s system.
According to her, many students struggle with practical application, not due to lack of effort but because of systemic gaps in training. She stressed that the academy’s mission goes beyond awarding certificates, focusing instead on equipping students with sustainable career skills.
In his welcome address, Managing Director of Emma-tob Engineering, Pastor Emmanuel Omolola, described the summit as a transformative platform aimed at aligning innovation with sustainability while connecting talent to opportunity. He emphasised that ETIA was established to bridge the long-standing divide between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
From an industry standpoint, Chairman of the day and Factory Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Talla Fall, warned that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in today’s workforce. He noted that many engineering graduates lack the practical competence required to perform on the job, stressing the need for education to extend beyond lecture halls into real-life industrial settings.
Fall also highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population as its greatest asset, urging young people to rise to the challenge of national and continental development.
Recruitment expert Mr. Afolarin Afolayan echoed similar concerns, revealing that many graduates fall short not only in technical ability but also in essential soft skills such as communication, mindset, and proficiency in basic digital tools. He further pointed to the impact of migration trends, noting that the “Japa” phenomenon continues to disrupt workforce planning as skilled professionals leave the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Factory Engineering Manager Mr. Saheed Kareem explored the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in engineering and daily life. He explained that AI is already transforming industries by automating processes and reducing human workload, making it a critical skill for future professionals.
Kareem warned that adapting to AI is no longer optional, predicting that the technology will dominate many processes within the next five years. However, he also cautioned against potential risks, including cyber threats and ethical challenges, urging responsible adoption.
Students at the summit, including participants from the University of Lagos and Lagos State University, welcomed the initiative but called for more consistent industry engagement during their academic journey. They stressed the importance of practical exposure in preparing them for real-world challenges.
Speakers at the event unanimously agreed that the future of engineering in Nigeria depends on stronger collaboration between academia and industry. The consensus was clear: meaningful change requires deliberate action, not just rhetoric.
For the organisers, the summit marks the beginning of a broader movement to reshape engineering education in Nigeria. As Engr. Omolola noted, the goal is to produce a new generation of engineers who are innovative, practical, and capable of competing on a global stage.
