Students of the University of Abuja have called for practical skills to complement academic qualifications, saying the combination could improve employability and promote self-reliance among young Nigerians.
The students identified technology, artificial intelligence, graphics, communication, phone repairs, data analysis, content creation and other vocational skills as areas that could provide additional livelihood opportunities.
A 200-level Civil Engineering student, Ayodele Tobi, said practical skills could give graduates an advantage in the competitive labour market.
He said lack of funds and awareness were among the factors limiting access to skills acquisition programmes, urging the government and educational institutions to provide more training and funding.
Similarly, Eze Chiamaka, a 300-level Economics student, said certificates alone were no longer enough to guarantee employment, adding that skills acquisition could help more young Nigerians become self-employed.
Chiamaka called for increased government awareness programmes to educate young people on the importance of practical skills.
Victor Okoye, a 200-level Agricultural Engineering student, said economic realities had made skills increasingly important, noting that he became a certified phone technician after receiving training while in secondary school.
He urged schools to place greater emphasis on practical knowledge that complements academic education.
Janet Airen, a 300-level Development and Strategic Communication student, identified digital skills, content creation and graphic design as useful areas for young Nigerians. She also called for more employment opportunities through the establishment of industries and factories.
Chetchet Sheyin, a 400-level Civil Engineering student, identified lack of capital, high operating costs, poor infrastructure, insecurity and limited access to business support as challenges facing young entrepreneurs.
Sheyin urged the government to provide affordable loans, improve infrastructure and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The students agreed that combining academic qualifications with practical skills could broaden opportunities for young Nigerians and urged the government, educational institutions and organisations to strengthen skills acquisition programmes and provide support for young people to turn their skills into sustainable sources of income.
