Graduates urged to focus on skills for better job prospects
Graduates in Nigeria have been advised to prioritize skill development over certificates to tackle the nation’s unemployment crisis. Prof. Emmanuel Raymond from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, emphasized the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a practical solution. He highlighted that aligning skills with industry needs is essential for employability and economic growth. The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Kuta, also stressed the need for graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers.
What happened
- Prof. Emmanuel Raymond advocated for universities to produce graduates with practical skills instead of just certificates.
- He encouraged Nigerian graduates to embrace TVET as a pathway to self-reliance and job creation.
- Raymond warned that neglecting technical and vocational education would leave graduates unprepared for the labour market.
- Using a marriage analogy, he described TVET as providing skills and competence, while job creation offers economic opportunities.
- Prof. Adamu Kuta noted that unemployment is linked to insecurity and social vices, urging a shift in graduates’ mindsets towards entrepreneurship.
