Nigerian government officials have said it is important for every student to acquire skills in addition to their knowledge. Many Nigerians have explained this to be a great approach to learning as it will enable every student to be independent after graduation.
Recently, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has called for emphasis on entrepreneurial and skills-based courses in the nation’s tertiary institutions to promote self-reliance of graduates. In addition, he said that the foundation would help to reduce hunger and unemployment and their associated challenges in the country.
Reports confirmed that he emphasised this while commissioning the United Nations Reading Hub and unveiling the Model United Nations Association of University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, imitated by Africa Youth Movement (AYM).
Similarly, he added that such foundation would lead to the positive changes the country needed thereby, bringing about the timely actualisation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the year 2030.
“With proper education, individuals will have more entrepreneurial orientation and skills. This will reduce poverty, which is SDGs goal number one. This will lead to zero hunger, which is goal number two, and will bring about peace, justice and strong institutions which is goal number 16.”
He added that skills acquisition is part of education and that both work together to sustain development:
“Education is the surest vehicle for effective change in any society, more so in Nigeria, education in this sense means functional education that is skills-based and not acquisition of degrees, diplomas and certificates.”
In appreciation, he commended the initiator and UNIUYO for partnering with the ministry and others as the initiative would lead to achieving the SDGs. However, Vice Chancellor of UNIUYO, Prof. Enefiok Essien, described the partnership as unprecedented, noting that the United Nations Reading Hub in the institution was the first of its kind in the country.
Furthermore, he said the gesture would not only benefit the university community but Nigerians at large:
“The reading Hub was conceived as one stop resource centre for news, notices, appointments, opportunities, circulars, conventions, protocols, treaties, instruments and all up to date materials and information by the UN. The information bank will not only avail students and staff of UNIUYO, but also the knowledge seeking members of the public who will have the opportunity to use the university library.”
Nigerian government has assured that entrepreneur skills acquisition courses will be made compulsory in tertiary institutions. It has been reported that some tertiary institutions in Nigeria already embarked on the acquisition as the government employs all universities to take part in the programme. If achieved, the problem of poverty will be tackled and also, the unemployment rate will be drastically reduced.
