Bridging the Gap: Higher Education and Graduate Employability in Zanzibar

Abstract

University graduates in Zanzibar face employability challenges due to a discrepancy between the skills imparted by higher education and the needs of the labour market. This study explores the relevance of higher education to graduate employability. Using a descriptive design and a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 342 respondents across three universities and analysed using descriptive statistics with Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that while graduates perceive higher education as contributing to employability, they often remain unemployable in both formal and informal settings. The main issue observed is the lack of relevant skills and practical experience in university curricula, which restricts graduates’ adaptability to labour market demands. To address this, the study recommends that higher education institutions review their curricula to better align practical and theoretical knowledge. Such changes would enhance graduates’ readiness for the labour market and increase their employability in dynamic professional environments.