Improving Workforce Readiness Through Industry Collaboration in Nigerian Polytechnic Education

Abstract

This study investigated the role of industry collaboration in improving workforce readiness among students of Nigerian polytechnics. The persistent mismatch between graduates’ competencies and labour market expectations has raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of technical and vocational education in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were obtained from lecturers, students, employers, industrial supervisors, and curriculum experts across selected Nigerian polytechnics. The study was anchored on Human Capital Theory and the Triple Helix Theory of university–industry collaboration. Findings revealed that inadequate collaboration between industries and polytechnics contributes significantly to low employability, poor practical competence, and workforce unpreparedness among graduates. The study established that industry participation in curriculum development, internship programmes, SIWES, industrial attachment, and technology transfer significantly enhances workforce readiness, employability skills, and entrepreneurial competence among students. The findings further indicated that obsolete curricula, inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, and weak institutional frameworks hinder effective collaboration. The study concluded that sustainable industry–polytechnic partnerships are essential for producing competent graduates capable of meeting the demands of the contemporary labour market. The study recommended periodic curriculum review, improved funding for technical education, stronger public–private partnerships, and institutionalization of industry participation in technical education policies.