Skills Acquisition Key to Combating Youth Unemployment in Nigeria

 Mr. Kola Thomas, Proprietor of The Heroes Nursery and Primary School, Ilorin in Kwara, Mr. Kola Thomas, has advocated for youths to key into skills acquisition programs to tackle unemployment in the country.

Thomas made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ilorin.

According to him, over-dependence on white-collar jobs and a lack of passion for skills and knowledge have increased the unemployment rate in the country.

“Most youths and graduates rely so much on their certificates and are not bothered to learn vocational skills.

“Nigerian youths must wake up and embrace vocational skills. They need to show passion for skills acquisition.

“The only solution to end joblessness in the country is for youths to acquire skills and stop relying endlessly on white-collar jobs.

“When you learn tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, electrician, and other skills, it will fetch you a living without necessarily waiting for government jobs,” he said.

The proprietor, however, advised the government to empower youths with skills to help reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country.

He also advised parents to enroll their children in vocational skills and “to stop underrating skills acquisition programs.” (NAN)