Prioritise skills training for poly students, NAPS urges FG

The North Central chapter of the National Association of Polytechnic Students has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, prioritise regular skills acquisition programmes in polytechnics, in a bid to proffer solution to unemployment.

The association noted that embarking on regular skills acquisition programmes would enable polytechnics in the region to produce graduates who would be able to successfully run their own businesses and become employers of labour in the future, in the absence of conventional jobs.

The North Central Coordinator of NAPS, Ekom Peter-Ayaka, gave this advice on Monday while speaking with journalists shortly after marking his birthday anniversary in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

He explained that Nigerian youths were currently lagging behind in modern and trending skills compared to other youths from across the world who were consistently acquiring training in several skills.

As a result, Peter-Ayaka noted that polytechnics have crucial roles to play as institutions in the country, which are central to equipping students with the technical and vocational skills.

He stressed, “We are calling on the Federal Government to prioritise skills acquisition and regular trainings for polytechnic students as this would enable us meaningfully contribute our own quota to the development of the society after graduating from school, peradventure there are no white-collar jobs.”

The coordinator noted observed that in order to effectively cater to the future of the youths, existing and emergent polytechnics need to also focus on entrepreneurial venture creation to foster the development of innovative ideas among students, which would help in improving their creativity, problem-solving skills and business acumen.

Perer-Ayaka noted that to mark his birthday anniversary for this year, he alongside other student leaders had recently visited some primary and secondary schools in Nasarawa State to distribute writing materials to the less-privileged students as a way of giving back to the society.

He commended one of the aspirants vying for the House of Representatives seat to represent Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency, Amb. Isaac Kigbu for partnering with him to reach out to the students, describing Kigbu as a reliable champion for education in Nasarawa State and the North Central region at large.

“I want to sincerely appreciate Amb. Isaac Kigbu for the educational development of our youths. It was an emotional yet fulfilling experience to see the joy on the faces of the students when they received the writing materials.

“The initiative was aimed at inspiring students to understand the importance of education and to encourage them to continue to take their studies very seriously in order to guarantee their future,” Peter-Ayaka added.