Obinna Anya, a technology expert says African universities are struggling to keep pace with the rapid shift in global employment driven by artificial intelligence (AI), warning that graduates across the continent risk being left behind in an increasingly digital economy.
Anya, who is the co-founder of VarsityMentor, said AI is transforming how industries operate and the type of competencies required of workers. He noted that while global demand for digital skills continues to rise, computer science education in many African institutions remains largely theoretical, limiting graduates’ readiness for real-world problem-solving and innovation.
“There is a disconnect between what we teach and the jobs that exist today,” Anya said during a press conference held in Lagos on Monday February 16, 2026, on VarsityMentor Generative AI (GenAI) in Computer Science Education Summit, scheduled for February 18 to 20.
According to him, the summit will bring together university faculty from several African countries to examine how higher education can better prepare students for AI-driven careers. He pointed to a growing mismatch between what universities teach and the skills employers now demand.
Adding that despite the expansion of higher education — with over 2,000 universities across Africa, many graduates still lack practical computing and technology capabilities needed in modern workplaces.
Adekunle Adeyemo, a site reliability engineer, said Africa faces the risk of remaining primarily a user rather than a developer of AI technologies if institutions do not adapt quickly. According to him, strengthening university training is essential for ensuring the continent contributes to building future technologies rather than consuming.
Other technology professionals argued that universities must move beyond basic digital literacy toward hands-on training in computing, data and AI tools, and enabling students to apply technology to local challenges
The participants stressed that AI is unlikely to eliminate employment entirely but will increasingly disadvantage workers without relevant skills. They also highlighted the need for universities to equip graduates with the ability to create opportunities through technology, particularly in economies where formal job openings are limited.
With projections that Africa could host the world’s largest workforce by 2040, technology experts said aligning university education with AI-driven skills has become an urgent priority — one they believe the forthcoming summit could help advance across the continent.
According to organisers, the summit is expected to host more than 45 faculty members from 27 universities across eight African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Cameroon and South Africa. Discussions will focus on curriculum reform, lecturer capacity building and approaches to integrating generative AI into teaching and research.
