By Saby Elemba, Owerri
Universities in Nigeria have been urged to lead the search for skill-based education in Nigeria.
The appeal was made by Gov Hope Uzodinma of Imo State in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The governor advised the federal and state governments as well as institutions of higher learning to focus on the development of skills for the future growth of Nigeria’s economy as the Nigeria’s oil sector has continued to face volatility in both production and prices.
Uzodinma stated that human capital development should be looked upon and as such, urged that more efforts and resources should be geared towards human capital development in the as an alternative to oil in the economic evolution of Nigeria.
And that in the post oil era, it is only skilled manpower that will come to the rescue and growth of the economy.
He spoke at Ilorin, Kwara State, at the maiden Convocation Lecture of Ojaja University, weekend, saying, that the time has come for the nation to invest more in human capital development, particularly the growing of skills so as not to be caught unawares in its developmental initiatives.
Uzodinma, in his Convocation Lecture titled “The Role of Private Universities In Growing Skilled Labour For A Resilient Economy “, noted that universities are the change agents to achieve the purpose, and canvassed support for them in terms of investments.
He said as the nation strives for economic resilience in this era of globalisation, the role of education, particularly higher education, becomes crucial.
He singled out private universities as the potential drivers of the new economic order, and that they have emerged as vital contributors to the production of a skilled workforce that can adapt to the evolving demands of the economy.
The Imo State governor argued that given the structure of the country’s economy, with services contributing half of the GDP, private universities have a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead the growing of skills in Nigeria.
“Private universities which are not usually encumbered by some of the constraints faced by public institutions, have the opportunity to be bold and pragmatic in their approach. They can experiment with new teaching methodology, integrate inter disciplinary studies and create learning experiences that transcend traditional academic boundaries, ” Uzodinma said.
He was confident that the private universities, apart from emerging leaders in the growing of skills for the economy, will become the base upon which the future will be built.
Urging that collaboration among the stakeholders for the support of private universities to enable them to play the intercessory role in the growing of skills and enhanced economy.
“The future of our great nation lies not in the oil beneath our soil but in the potent skills and knowledge up our skills. Private universities have a pivotal role to play in incubating these potentials”, he said.
Turning to the graduates of Ojaja University, he described them as pacesetters who have the potential of emerging presidents, governors, and senators in the future, just as he congratulated them for their academic accomplishments.
Uzodinma had also commended the Visitor, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye, Ojaja II whom he described as a nationalist and foremost traditional ruler, whose contributions to the education sector and the economy in general remain unprecedented.
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