In an age defined by rapid advancements in technology, Nigerian universities seem to be at a crossroads that will either determine their transition or place them on the edge of irrelevance.

The future of these institutions lies in their ability to adapt and harness the power of technology to meet the evolving needs of students and society at large. If the tertiary institutions in Nigeria are cut out to meet the academic needs of the ever-growing population of undergraduates and post-graduates, innovative solutions must be embraced to ensure a brighter future for higher education in the country.

With over 1.8 million undergraduate students and about 242 thousand postgraduate students, Nigeria boasts of a significant population of students. The quest for higher education is evident through the high number of students sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually. However, gaining admission remains a challenge for many, as the average number of students admitted into these institutions is considerably lower than the number of applicants. Every year, more than 1.7 million applicants write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and an average of 400,000 gain admission into the universities.

One of the pressing issues faced by Nigerian universities is the problem of outdated curricula that struggle to keep up with the fast-paced advancements in technology. The world is evolving with massive developments in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other emerging fields. To equip students with the necessary skills for the future job market. Nigerian universities must reconstruct their curricula to incorporate relevant technological knowledge. They should employ innovative teaching methodologies and integrate practical applications of technology, to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.

The lack of adequate funding poses a significant challenge to Nigerian universities. it hinders their ability to invest in modern infrastructure and technology. Many institutions struggle to provide up-to-date laboratory equipment, computer systems, and software necessary for comprehensive technological education. The government, private sector, and stakeholders must collaborate and prioritize funding for higher education in Nigeria if we want to fit into the comity of other institutions shortly.

Nigeria’s status as a developing nation presents an opportunity for technological advancement in its universities. By leveraging the expertise of faculty members, collaborating with international institutions, and fostering innovation hubs, Nigerian universities can position themselves as pioneers in technological research and development. Embracing the future of technology will not only benefit students but also contribute to the overall growth and progress of the nation.

To overcome challenges and improve the university experience, Nigerian institutions should embrace a digitally informed approach. For instance, students should have seamless access to academic materials, this will minimize the need to visit physical libraries. By digitizing student registration processes, administrative tasks can be streamlined, reducing paperwork and enhancing efficiency. Embracing digital platforms for communication, creativity, and learning will make life easier for students, lecturers, and even non-academic staff as this will enable them to engage more effectively and allocate time to critical pursuits.

The Nigerian university is at the teething stage of development. A mistake in policy decision making over the adoption of technology will affect the present and the future. A good decision will set us on the verge of changing the narrative of education in Nigeria.