Senator Ben Obi, a former presidential adviser and elder statesman, has emphasized the need for practical skills acquisition to tackle youth unemployment and associated social vices in Nigeria. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Springfield Fashion Academy (SFA) in Abuja, Obi stated that academic certificates alone could no longer guarantee economic survival in the face of rising unemployment. He stressed the importance of practical skills and technical competence, popularly referred to as “sabificate”, in empowering young Nigerians to become self-reliant and create wealth.
Obi praised the creativity and confidence displayed by the graduating fashion designers, saying vocational training could help shift young Nigerians from dependence on formal employment to entrepreneurship and wealth creation. He urged the Federal Government, corporate organisations, and development partners to establish funding mechanisms for credible private vocational training institutions. According to him, supporting successful vocational institutes would enable them to expand and establish training centres across the 36 states, thereby widening access to skills acquisition.
The Creative Director of Springfield Fashion Academy, Blessing Ugwuodo, also urged unemployed youths and graduates to acquire practical skills instead of relying entirely on academic qualifications. Ugwuodo noted that many graduates had remained unemployed for years because of their dependence on white-collar jobs, despite the opportunities available in vocational and creative industries. She emphasized that practical skills could provide a more immediate route to self-employment and economic independence.
Ugwuodo expressed concern over the financial pressures confronting small and medium-scale enterprises in the Federal Capital Territory. She particularly criticised the increase in levies imposed by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), saying excessive charges could undermine the survival of small businesses. According to her, rather than impose additional financial burdens on emerging enterprises, government should create an enabling environment for them to grow.
Ugwuodo called for a review of government empowerment programmes, urging public institutions to channel resources to organisations with verifiable records of grassroots impact. She said government should move beyond publicity-driven empowerment initiatives and support institutions already providing sustainable skills and livelihoods to vulnerable Nigerians. Springfield Fashion Academy had trained people from diverse backgrounds, including educated and uneducated youths, persons with disabilities, and widows.
Obi advised young Nigerians to enrol in structured skills acquisition programmes rather than wait indefinitely for white-collar jobs. He said institutions such as Springfield Fashion Academy could make greater impact if adequately supported to establish branches across the country. This, he believes, would help address the unemployment challenge and associated social vices.
The initiative aims to empower young Nigerians with marketable skills, particularly in the fashion industry. Key stakeholders, including government and private sector leaders, are expected to collaborate to support vocational training and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs. By doing so, they hope to reduce unemployment and promote sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
Key points
- Senator Ben Obi calls for increased funding for vocational institutes to address youth unemployment.
- Practical skills acquisition is crucial for empowering young Nigerians to become self-reliant and create wealth.
- Government and private sector collaboration is necessary to support vocational training and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
