Engr. Emem Coffie, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, has emphasized the importance of education and skills acquisition for Nigerian youths. He made this statement while speaking to journalists, warning that the growing perception that education is a waste of time could undermine youth development. Coffie stressed that academic knowledge provides the foundation for specialization and professional competence.
Coffie highlighted his commitment to supporting young people through education, having sponsored hundreds of students in Akwa Ibom State, Enugu, and Abuja. He noted that education has played a significant role in the development of advanced countries and should not be dismissed despite some successful individuals not attending university. According to Coffie, academic training is particularly crucial in technical fields, where practical knowledge must be supported by an understanding of scientific principles.
The PDP candidate explained that engineering, for instance, relies 90 percent on scientific theory and 10 percent on empirical knowledge. He emphasized that education has created a system that has contributed to the development of countries and that it is essential for youths to have a basic understanding of subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology to specialize in their chosen careers.
Coffie called for reforms that would enable young people to complete university education early, identify their talents, and specialize in their chosen careers without unnecessary delays. He also stressed that university education should not be the only pathway to success and urged the government to support vocational training, entrepreneurship, and other trades. According to Coffie, the government should support youths in their chosen trades and make them relevant.
On employment, Coffie advocated for greater investment in industrialization in Akwa Ibom, suggesting that youths should be trained in areas relevant to industries that could be established in the state. He identified sectors like oil and gas, refineries, gas processing facilities, and steel plants as having the potential to generate employment. Coffie proposed apprenticeship schemes to prepare young people for jobs in such industries, with financial support provided throughout their training.
Coffie also proposed the establishment of cottage industries across the state’s local government areas to create jobs, utilize local raw materials, and improve residents’ incomes. He identified palm oil processing and the production of briquettes from palm kernel waste as opportunities that could support small-scale industries. Additionally, he called for support for small and medium-scale enterprises, including affordable loans to enable traders and entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
The engineer, with about 35 years of professional experience, emphasized that road construction alone cannot address poverty without industries and businesses capable of providing jobs and sustainable incomes. He outlined his proposed development agenda, tagged “A New Drive Back to the Genesis,” which would focus on human capital development, industrialization, skills acquisition, and support for small businesses. Coffie suggested returning to Akwa Ibom’s original development master plan and executing projects initiated by previous governments.
Key points
- Engr. Emem Coffie urges Nigerian youths to prioritize education and skills acquisition over quick success.
- Coffie proposes reforms to enable young people to complete university education early and specialize in their chosen careers.
- The PDP candidate advocates for greater investment in industrialization and support for small and medium-scale enterprises to create jobs and improve residents’ incomes.
