A clarion call has gone out to the Federal Government for the establishment of skills based Technical Colleges across the country.
The Chairman, Rose of Sharon Foundation, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija gave this call at the commissioning of the Folorunso Alakija Skills Acquisition Centre which she donated to Yaba College of Technology.
Alakija stated that Germany is what it is today due to the huge efforts placed on human development vis- a-vis the acquisition of skills, and that Nigeria should emulate such act by establishing technical Colleges in order to produce skillful personnel that has gone through series of technical trainings in different fields.
According to her, the Skills Acquisition Centre will provide trainings in the area of fashion design, bead making, make-up artistry, shoe making, welding and fabrication as well as provide support for a skillful Nigeria.
“Acquiring a skill is important for livelihood. When a nation directs attention to skills, there is a turn around because the provided skills would affect positively various productive industries which would in turn accelerate technical growth and development in Nigeria”, she added.
The richest woman in Africa who accepted to be the Coordinator of the Board of Fellow of YABATECH highlighted the positive effects of a skillful economy as the emergence of self-development, cottage industries, reduced unemployment and a prosperous economy.
“Prosperity does not come overnight but through doggedness and determination. Everyone must contribute to the development of Nigeria, she advocated.
Appreciating the gesture, the Rector of Yabatech, Engr. Femi Omokungbe described the Centre as not only a blessing to the College but to the nation because the support for entrepreneurship and skill acquisition development is an open door to fulfilling the dreams of many.
“Skills are the pathway to prosperity and personal development. With the right skills, individuals are prepared for active citizenship and open possibilities because they are equipped to set up their own business and also create jobs for others”.
Stressing further the challenge of unemployment in Nigeria as well as the need to develop skills through vocational training, Omokungbe urged both the private and public sectors to partner with academic institutions in the training of Nigerian youths on different skills for national development.