Developing Next-Generation Skills for Data Professionals in the Era of AI: A Roadmap for Nigerian Universities

Abstract

Nigerian​‍​‌‍​‍‌ universities are not able to prepare graduates of data science who will be able to meet the requirements of an AI-driven economy, as they continue to encounter various problems. Lack of curriculum content, shortage of faculty knowledge in the field of AI, poor digital infrastructure, and weak university-industry partnerships are among the factors that have led to widening skills deficits in Nigerian universities. This research, through a convergent mixed-methods approach, including a bibliometric review, survey, and expert panel, charts a strategic roadmap for strengthening AI and data science education in Nigeria. The survey, expert validation panel, and bibliometric review of 48 Scopus-indexed publications (2020-2025) informed the study, which used a convergent mixed-methods approach integrating all these sources of data. The results point out that in AI ethical principles only 13% of the institutions have modules, 66% of the faculty feel that they have low competence in responsible AI practices, and only less than one-fourth of the institutions have active partnerships with the industry. The Content Validity Index (CVI = 0.82) was used in validating the relevance of the proposed four-pillar roadmap—curriculum modernization, faculty development, industry collaboration, and infrastructure investment. The study indicates that it is necessary to carry out reforms at the targeted system-wide level to be able to nurture AI talents who can compete on a global scale and to make Nigeria a country that can engage in the data-driven economy in a meaningful ​‍​‌‍​‍‌way