Workforce planning and access to higher education in Nigeria: The missing links

Abstract

Since the 1960s, successive Nigerian governments have focused on improving workforce planning and access to higher education as key drivers of national development. However, the national workforce planning policies do not align with access to higher education in Nigeria. This article examined the gaps between workforce planning and access to higher education in Nigeria. The study’s data were drawn from a thematic review of relevant literature and a theoretical framework comprising social stratification and human capital theories. Evidence from the literature indicates that the Nigerian government has shown significant interest in promoting workforce planning for national development by establishing the National Manpower Board and higher education institutions. Unfortunately, the objectives of the National Manpower Board remain largely unachieved. At the same time, the higher education institutions primarily operate in isolation from labour market demands, leaving many graduates unemployed or underemployed in Nigeria. The Nigerian government should ensure that the National Manpower Board fulfils its mandates. In addition, all applicants to higher education institutions in Nigeria should choose courses that align with their talents and reflect an understanding of labour market demands.