Two of Nigeria’s leading universities are gearing up to host transformative educational programmes this month as part of a global initiative aimed at bridging the country’s skills gap in an increasingly digital economy.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) will run a five-day intensive programme from July 21 to 25, followed by a similar event at Ekiti State University from July 28 to August 1.
Organised by Professors Without Borders in collaboration with local faculty, the programmes will focus on the theme “Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability: Empowering Digital Transformation.”
More than 200 students and faculty members across both institutions are expected to participate, gaining hands-on training in key areas such as social entrepreneurship, African finance, research methodology, and artificial intelligence tools — all critical skills for thriving in Nigeria’s evolving job market.
“We’re not just teaching theory,” said Dr. Bob Eckhart, Lead Professor for the Nigeria Programmes and a Fulbright Scholar with experience spanning three continents. “Students will pitch their own social enterprises, develop policy solutions for Nigeria’s economic challenges, and master the digital tools that employers now expect.”
The programmes will feature a blend of international and local educators, including Charlie Dove-Edwin, an investment banking veteran and lecturer at Richmond University in London; Dr. Bonnie Ayodele from Ekiti State University; and Oluseyi Sodiya, a seasoned Nigerian technology professional with over two decades of experience in IT and digital transformation.
A significant component of both events will be faculty development, ensuring that lecturers and researchers also benefit from the exposure to global teaching methods and technological tools.
