The call to reintroduce vocational skills acquisition into the school curriculum was made by guests on a recent Kapital FM Current Affairs programme. They discussed the topic, “The National Youth Confab and Youth Unemployment,” in Abuja. The guests emphasized the need for young people to acquire practical skills to compete in the changing global labour market. This, they believe, will help address youth unemployment.
Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, stressed the need for the proposed National Youth Confab to produce practical outcomes. He noted that the conference should establish a clear framework for implementing policies and programmes that respond to the economic and social realities facing Nigerian youths. Chukwu emphasized the importance of providing young people with opportunities to acquire relevant skills and develop their talents.
A Public Affairs Analyst, Mr. Saheed Da-Silva, called on the Federal Government to create practical opportunities for young Nigerians to become economically productive. He highlighted the need for greater investment in entrepreneurship, technical training, and vocational education. This, he believes, will empower youths with the knowledge and competencies required to secure employment or establish sustainable businesses.
The guests advocated for the strengthening of skills acquisition programmes in schools. They noted that early exposure to vocational training could help young people develop practical capabilities alongside formal academic qualifications. This, they believe, will help young people become more employable and self-reliant.
The speakers maintained that coordinated efforts involving government institutions, educational establishments, and other relevant stakeholders would be essential to equipping Nigerian youths for the demands of the modern labour market. They urged the Federal Government to ensure that the outcomes of the planned National Youth Confab are translated into concrete policies and implementable programmes.
The programmes should be designed to expand employment opportunities, support entrepreneurship, and reduce youth unemployment. The guests also emphasized the need for the government to move beyond policy discussions and create practical opportunities for young Nigerians.
The reintroduction of vocational skills acquisition into the school curriculum is seen as a key step towards addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria. The government has been urged to take concrete action to support the development of young people in the country.
Key points
- The Federal Government has been urged to reintroduce vocational skills acquisition into the school curriculum to address youth unemployment.
- The proposed National Youth Confab should produce practical outcomes that address the challenges confronting young people in Nigeria.
- Coordinated efforts involving government institutions and educational establishments are essential to equipping Nigerian youths for the demands of the modern labour market.
