Assessing the relevance of the undergraduate Computer Science curriculum of Nigerian universities: insights from industry

Olabamiji J. Onifade; Omobola O. Gambo; Abayomi T. Ogunleye; Peter O. Ajayi

doi:10.55056/ed.864

Authors

Olabamiji J. Onifade National Center for Technology Management https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6587-8824
Omobola O. Gambo Lead City University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4884-8927
Abayomi T. Ogunleye Federal College of Education, Abeokuta https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3011-0508
Peter O. Ajayi Ekiti State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3693-5911

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55056/ed.864

Keywords:

Computer Science, curriculum, skills, graduates

Abstract

This study investigated the degree to which the undergraduate educational programme prepares graduates of Computer Science with significant aptitudes for the working environment; it also examined the degree to which managers rate graduates as having suitable abilities for work. A sequential mixed-methods approach was employed, and the population comprises the graduates of Computer Science and their managers in South-West Nigeria. A convenience sampling technique was adopted to select a sample of interest from the managers and the graduates. The Graduates' Skill Assessment Questionnaire (GSAQ) and Managers' Graduate Skills Assessment Scale (MGSAS) were used to collect data from the respondents. The data were analysed descriptively and thematically, and the results show that the computer science curriculum successfully blends the development of hard and soft abilities, which is beneficial for preparing graduates for the demands of the industry. The managers also rated the graduates above average in all the skills that were assessed. This study recommends continuous updates of the undergraduate Computer Science curriculum by introducing more adaptable learning strategies, self-directed learning, group-based projects, peer reviews in the curriculum, and ethics modules in AI courses.

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