Experts Urge for Enhanced Focus on Digital Talent Development in Africa

At the recent Hyperscalers Convergence Africa conference, industry leaders called for urgent updates to educational curricula to keep pace with technological advancements.

This pressing issue took center stage at the recent Hyperscalers Convergence Africa conference, hosted by Africa Hyperscalers Media.

A panel discussion, themed “The Talent Gap – Developing Sustainable Digital Talent for Africa,” featured industry veterans such as Olusola Teniola, Wale Owoeye, Adewale Adeyemi, Dr. Hakeem Onasanya, and Olusegun Maleghemi, who shared their insights on the challenges facing the sector.

Olusola Teniola, director of Strategic Business Initiatives at ipNX, asserted that formal curricula for critical topics such as digital infrastructure and data centers are lacking.

He also stressed that traditional subjects continue to dominate African academic programs, which leaves new graduates unprepared for industry demands.

Dr. Hakeem Onasanya, head of Startups at Lagos Innovates, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund called on the government to take responsibility for educational reform, noting that many banks are establishing their own training programs, raising concerns about the efficacy of traditional university education.

Dr. Onasanya emphasized the widening disconnect between academia and industry, noting that this issue has become increasingly complex over the years.

He advocated for integrating industry insights into academia, emphasizing that academic institutions can be overly protective and often prioritize formal qualifications like PhDs over practical experience.

Dr. Onasanya pointed out that this focus does not necessarily lead to better teaching outcomes. To address this, he urged universities to invite industry experts as adjunct lecturers, enabling students to better understand how theoretical concepts apply in real-world contexts.

This approach helps learners grasp textbook material while also acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their future careers.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide students with a well-rounded education that effectively prepares them for the demands of the industry. He urged for proactive solutions, suggesting that partnerships between universities and the private sector could provide students with real industry experiences.

Adewale Adeyemi, Head of Business Development at Tek Experts, underscored the urgent need to update educational curricula to reflect rapid technological advancements.

Wale Owoeye, CEO of Cedarview Communications, illustrated the gaps between academia and industry by likening them to two cars traveling at the same speed; a gap forms when one accelerates or decelerates.

Reflecting on his experience in San Francisco, Owoeye recounted sharing a hostel with a young Chinese professional who had learned machine learning during his college years, contrasting that with the current situation for African professionals.

He expressed concern about the widening gap between them and their global counterparts, emphasizing the need to equip the current generation to avoid the pitfalls faced by their predecessors.

The conference shed light on the critical need for educational reforms that align closely with industry demands, ensuring the next generation is adequately prepared for the evolving tech landscape in Africa.