The main objective of the study was to examine the effect of tertiary institutions-industry disconnect in Nigeria. To achieve this, primary data was collated using a questionnaire from an online survey from 550 participants. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to estimate the data. The estimates indicates that practical skills was positive but insignificant, while industrial training and workshop were both positive and significant in aligning the curriculum content with the workplace needs of employers. The logit estimates indicate that grade point average and type of qualification were negative and bear insignificant effect on educational content and workplace readiness. The estimates further showed that ICT skills and additional certification have a positive and significant effect on educational content and workplace readiness. The estimates suggest that there is a 54% chance that employment matches the degree acquired. The estimates also indicate that the coefficient of practical skills is negative and insignificant, while industrial work experience is an eligible link between tertiary institutions and industry. The results suggest that ICT and additional certificates increase employability by 32%-40% and 15.5%-27.9% respectively. Work experience drivers employability by 6.4%. The study concludes that practical skills, industrial training/workshop, and additional certificates as significant factors that can enhance the link between institutions of learning, the demands of the labour market, and graduate employability in Nigeria. Among others, the study recommends the need to integrate industry needs into the educational curricula. The study also recommends the need to ensure collaboration between industry and tertiary institutions. Again, it suggests the need for graduates to acquire professional certificates to enhance their chances of employment.
Keywords: Curriculum, Employability, practical skills, unemployability, workplace readiness
