Enhancing Graduate Competency and Workforce Alignment in Ethiopian Higher Education

Abstract

This study investigated public higher education institutions’ potential barriers in producing competent graduates. It employed descriptive mixed research design in which a multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to select research samples from selected universities. Results reveal significant gaps between current educational practices and the demands of the job market. The data indicates that a considerable portion of instructors identify curriculum misalignment with industry standards, inadequate practical exposure, and insufficient mentoring during internships as major obstacles. These challenges highlight not only the critical need for curriculum reform but also the imperative to enhance university infrastructure and support services.  Furthermore, as highlighted by the survey, issues such as inadequate facilities, lack of support for innovative teaching practices, and insufficient opportunities for practical engagement in community and industry settings detract from the overall educational experience. Essential competencies such as digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills are not being adequately addressed, which may leave graduates becoming ill-prepared for the workforce. This calls for the need to reform the focus and practices of the educational system to address the timely need for digital and entrepreneurial skills.