Leaders at the university’s 2026 International Week urge institutions to move beyond rote learning and equip graduates with critical thinking, digital skills and adaptability.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor Folasade Ogunsola have called for reforms in higher education to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), strengthen practical learning and prepare graduates for the changing demands of the modern workforce.
The call was made during the opening of UNILAG’s 2026 International Week on Tuesday, October 13, under the theme “Re-imagining Pedagogy and Teaching for Higher Education in the 21st Century”.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, urged universities to move away from teaching methods centred heavily on rote memorisation and embrace approaches that develop critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability.
“The university of today must not merely produce graduates who seek opportunities; it must also produce graduates capable of creating them,” the governor said.
He argued that the shift required research-driven learning, collaboration across academic disciplines and stronger partnerships between universities, government and industry.
The International Week brought together education leaders, academics and other stakeholders to discuss how universities could adapt their teaching practices to meet changing technological and economic demands.
Ogunsola and other participants emphasised the need to reassess conventional teaching and assessment methods and ensure that students develop skills they can apply beyond the classroom.
Preparing graduates for an AI-driven economy
The growing use of AI is changing the way information is produced, analysed and applied across industries. Universities therefore face the challenge of helping students use emerging technologies responsibly while maintaining independent judgement and analytical ability.
Integrating AI into education involves more than providing access to digital tools. Institutions must also consider academic integrity, the quality of learning, the development of practical skills and the risks of students becoming overly dependent on automated systems.
Stronger university-industry partnerships can help ensure that curricula remain relevant to workplace needs, while research and practical projects can give students opportunities to apply their knowledge.
The discussions at UNILAG highlight the need for higher education reform to combine technological competence with creativity, ethical reasoning and lifelong learning.
Turning those objectives into measurable improvements will require investment, curriculum development, staff training and sustained collaboration among educational institutions and employers.