By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
Doctor Ene Wannaji, Registrar of the Institute of Advanced Vocational and Technology Education of Nigeria, has called on the Senate to make skill acquisition compulsory in secondary schools. This plea comes as the Institute commemorates the World Youth Skills Day, rescheduled from July 15 to honor late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Doctor Wannaji, who is also the Proprietor of the Starlight Education Centre that runs vocational, technical and regular subjects in Madalla , Niger State, emphasized the significance of equipping youths with AI-enabled skills to fit into the modern world. “The world is going digital, and we will be doing ourselves and the nation and the generations on board disservice if we shield the youths from acquiring AI-enabled skills,” he stressed.
The Registrar urged the Senate to enact legislation supporting skill acquisition in secondary schools, ensuring students acquire practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This move aims to promote entrepreneurship, self-employment, and economic growth.
Benefits of skill acquisition, according to him include empowering youths with relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship; enhancing economic growth and development; fostering self-employment and job creation; and
equipping students with practical skills for the modern workforce
Doctor Wannaji appealed to the Senate to join forces with his institute to make skill acquisition a priority in Nigerian schools. By working together, they can create a more skilled and employable workforce, driving the country’s economic progress.
The Registrar also urged the media to support the crusade for skill acquisition, emphasizing their role as the mouthpiece and watchdog of society. “Let the press do what they know how to do and ensure that project skill acquisition is not just a lawful duty, but a patriotic duty,” he appealed.
Engr Jibo Idris Talib, the Local Organization Chairman (LOC) of the event, while also urging the legislature and the government to encourage skill acquisition, believed that if encouraged, Nigerian youths will boost the economy.
However others who supportively graced the occasion were: Mrs Titilayo Olayande, Director of Quality Assurance, FCT, Education Secretariat; Igweonu Kenechukwu, CEO of SMNK Limited, a service -based platform to connect skilled workers with people who have skills and those who are interested in their skills; and Mrs Nwankwo Nkechinyere Angela from the Technology Acquisition Promotion, FCT Department of Science and Technology Information (DSTI), Utako.
The event drew support from various stakeholders, including the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, and Zamfara State Governor who respectively graced the occasion and other dignitaries who also hailed the institute for promoting skill acquisition among youths.