Don seeks improved synergy between tech, academia

A data scientist and lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr Roselyn Isimeto, has called for enhanced collaboration between the tech industry and academia to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.

Speaking at the recent Africa Startup Festival, Isimeto addressed the growing disconnect between university curricula and the rapidly evolving demands of the startup ecosystem, stressing the need for both sectors to work more closely together.

In her keynote at the panel session titled, “Driving Digital Transformation in Africa: The Synergy Between Government, Academia, and Industry in Fostering Innovation, Dr Isimeto emphasised academia’s pivotal role in cultivating the continent’s future tech talent.

However, she noted that universities must evolve their educational offerings to better align with the practical needs of the tech sector.
“We, as academia, are responsible for educating the youth, but to meet the industry’s demands, we must adapt our curricula to ensure that students are prepared for the real-world challenges of the startup ecosystem,” Isimeto said.

She noted that international tech giants like Microsoft and Google provide students with invaluable resources and exposure to industry practices, which is lacking in Nigerian institutions.

The don urged Nigerian universities to create structured systems that allow students to gain hands-on experience and interact with industry leaders.
She argued that the private sector has a key role to play in bridging this gap by actively engaging with academic institutions to understand their needs and provide the necessary support.

“Our youth are excelling globally, but we are facing significant challenges here,” Isimeto continued.

“The industry must step up and partner with us. We need access to the resources and opportunities that will allow us to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.”