Experts say universities must rethink or risk irrelevance

Panel at ESOFT University launch flags widening gap between academic training and job market needs, stressing urgent realignment

- BY JANANI KANDARAMAGE

AS the global workforce evolves at an unprecedented pace, universities are under mounting pressure to align academic training with the realities of the modern job market, experts warned last week.

Speaking at a panel discussion hosted by ESOFT Uni (ESU), industry leaders, educators, and academics spotlighted the growing disconnect between institutional instruction and employment needs-a gap that carries immense consequences for both economic progress and the future prospects of graduates. Moderated by ESOFT International CEO Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy, the esteemed panel featured ESOFT Metro Campus Chairman/ Group Managing Director Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, ESOFT Metro Campus School of Business Dean Dr. Dillina Herath, Intrepid Travel Global Head of Software Engineering Pradeepa Seneviratna, and PickMe Founder/CEO Jiffry Zulfer.

Dr. Rajapakse summarised the industry’s dilemma bluntly, stating that, “What I have seen is mostly people who have theory knowledge don’t know how to apply it in their practical understanding.” This sentiment was echoed across the panel.