Reforming Nigeria's Higher Education System: Insights from TVET Implementation, Pedagogical Innovations, and E-Learning Challenges in a Post-Pandemic Era

The Nigeria's higher education landscape faces persistent challenges in producing employable graduates, exacerbated by outdated pedagogical approaches, infrastructural deficits, and disruptions from global events like the COVID-۱۹ pandemic. This review synthesizes findings from several empirical studies on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), problem-based learning (PBL), and e-learning adoption in Nigerian universities. Key issues include over-reliance on theoretical instruction in TVET programs, barriers to innovative teaching methods such as PBL, and inadequate digital infrastructure for online learning. The analysis highlights opportunities for reform through curriculum redesign, teacher training, industry partnerships, and policy interventions. Two tables outline major challenges and proposed frameworks, while a figure illustrates the interplay of factors affecting graduate outcomes. Recommendations emphasize a shift toward practical, student-centered pedagogies and blended learning models to enhance skills development and employability. This paper advocates for systemic changes to align Nigerian higher education with labor market demands and sustainable development goals.

Keywords:

Problem-Based Learning , E-Learning Challenges , Graduate Employability , Higher Education