Title: Descriptive Statistical Metrics Of Graduates' Employaility Exposure Activities In Nigerian Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Miriam Uwak JAMES and Monica Ngozi ODINKO
Volume: 9
Issue: 12
Pages: 373-380
Publication Date: 2025/12/28
Abstract:
Graduates' skills mismatch and employability is a persistent concern in Nigeria, raising questions about the extent to which higher education institutions prepare students for the world of work. This study examined the extent to which Nigerian higher education institutions expose graduates to employability activities that prepare them for the world of work and was guided by Functional Context Theory. Using a non-experimental design of descriptive survey research type, data were collected from 1109 graduates representing 80 higher education institutions in Nigeria through questionnaire titled Graduates' Employability Exposure Activities Scale (GEEA) covering 40 employability exposure activities. Data were analysed using R software (version 3.4.0) to obtain the frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that graduates were exposed to employability activities to a large extent, with many activities recording high levels of exposure. Project management (46.8%), group-based assignments (44.3%), team projects (43.8%), extra-curricular activities (42.4%), and internet research (41.9%) were experienced to a very great extent. However, moderate exposure was observed in several critical work-related activities, including peer mentoring (22.1%), interaction with work-placement agencies (20.5%), skills portfolio development (20.5%), innovation hubs (19.9%), community engagement projects (18.6%), and part-time work experience (18.2%). These findings indicate variation in the intensity of graduates' exposure to employability activities. The study concludes that while Nigerian higher education institutions increasingly prioritise employability development, disparities remain in the depth and distribution of exposure to industry-linked and reflective activities. The study recommends institutionalisation of employability practices, strengthened university-industry partnerships, and policy benchmarks to ensure equitable graduate preparation for the labour market.