Bridging Skills Mismatch in Nigeria’s TVET System: Integrating Industry 4.0 Competencies for Entrepreneurial Readiness

Abstract

The accelerating impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) has heightened the demand for a digitally competent and innovative workforce. In Nigeria, however, a persistent mismatch exists between industry-required competencies and the training provided through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Although TVET is expected to produce job-ready graduates and entrepreneurs, its curricula remain outdated and disconnected from the realities of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart manufacturing. This study uniquely explores how integrating Industry 4.0 competencies can reposition Nigeria’s TVET system for entrepreneurial competitiveness in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing a major gap in contextualizing digital-era skills within African TVET reform. Anchored in human capital, systems, and innovation diffusion theories, the study adopts a documentary research design, drawing evidence from policy documents, scholarly literature, and industry reports. Findings reveal that 65% of employers identify digital illiteracy among TVET graduates as a key barrier to employment, highlighting the urgency of integrating digital skills into training programmes. The study further uncovers weak institutional-industry linkages, poor infrastructure, and limited investment in STEM and technical innovation as major constraints. It recommends urgent reforms, including the infusion of AI literacy, data analytics, robotics, and cyber-physical systems into core curricula, complemented by hands-on and experiential learning approaches. Fostering critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability is equally vital. The study concludes that aligning TVET with Industry 4.0 imperatives is crucial for bridging the skills gap, reducing youth unemployment, and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.