Speaker
Description
Hamza, K.
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai
kamar@ibbu.edu.ng
Track: Sustainability and the Future
There is widening digital skills gap in Nigerian universities. This poses significant challenges to the preparation of security studies graduates for prospective technology-driven security environment. In the review of previous studies, it has been observed that paucity of investments in digital knowledge and lack of adequate technical skills impede graduate employability, institutional effectiveness and the challenges experienced in national security outcomes. This study examined how strengthening digital competencies can enhance professional readiness and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria. The study is anchored on the Human Capital Theory. It adopted qualitative research design. It relied on documentary analysis of policy documents, university curricula, government reports and relevant scholarly literature to assess the possibility of integrating digital competencies into security studies programmes. The findings suggest that curriculum innovation, digital infrastructure, faculty capacity building, and strategic partnerships with security agencies and technology firms would help bridge the digital skills gap. The study concluded that if digital technologies are embedded in security studies education, they would strengthen workforce preparedness, promote innovation and support Nigeria's pursuit of sustainable development in this digital age.