…as stakeholders push skills acquisition to tackle unemployment in Nigeria

By Adeola Badru

Nigeria’s drive to tackle unemployment through vocational education received another boost on as 153 trainees graduated from the Kola Daisi Entrepreneurship Centre in Ibadan after completing various skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes.

The graduands were trained in a range of vocational fields including leatherwork, computer studies, fashion design, catering services, hairdressing, tie-and-dye production and other trades aimed at promoting self-reliance and reducing unemployment across the country.

The Kola Daisi Entrepreneurship Centre, established by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) under the leadership of its President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, was created to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, professional certification and entrepreneurial support capable of improving livelihoods and stimulating economic growth.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, yesterday, Ajewole described entrepreneurship as one of the most effective solutions to the country’s growing unemployment and poverty challenges, urging the graduands to apply the knowledge and training they had acquired.

He stressed that young Nigerians must begin to position themselves as employers of labour rather than depend solely on white-collar employment opportunities.

“The essence of this initiative is to empower our youths with practical skills that can sustain them economically.“

“What you have learned here should not end at the classroom level. You must put the knowledge into practice and become successful entrepreneurs,” he said.

Ajewole also commended the Basorun of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Daisi, for providing financial support towards the establishment of the centre, noting that partnerships between private individuals, educational institutions and community organisations remained vital in addressing unemployment nationwide.

He added that the CCII would continue to support programmes capable of driving socio-economic development and empowering younger generations with marketable skills.

Chairman of the committee overseeing the Kola Daisi Entrepreneurship Centre, Dr Kolawole Mojeed Lawal, described the graduation as a major milestone in ongoing efforts to build a productive, innovative and self-reliant youth population in Nigeria.

According to Lawal, the training programmes were carefully structured to meet modern vocational and entrepreneurial demands while preparing participants to compete effectively in different sectors of the economy.

“We are proud of what these graduands have achieved. Beyond acquiring vocational skills, they have also been trained in discipline, commitment and the basics of entrepreneurship needed to run successful businesses,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of Kola Daisi University, Prof. Adeniyi Olatubosun (SAN), represented by Dr Oladipupo Mumini, said the institution remained committed to supporting technical and vocational education initiatives capable of enhancing national development.

Mumini disclosed that certificates would be issued to all graduands as part of efforts to formally recognise the skills acquired during the programme and improve their competitiveness in the labour market.

“The university is proud to partner with the CCII on this laudable initiative. The certificates to be issued will further enhance the credibility of the graduands and improve their opportunities in the labour market,” he said.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr Paul Oke, praised the organisers for complementing government efforts aimed at addressing unemployment through vocational training and entrepreneurship development.

Oke encouraged the graduands to remain focused and innovative, noting that the skills they had acquired could help them attain financial independence while contributing meaningfully to national development.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the CCII, Dr L.A. Balogun, also commended the management of the vocational centre for sustaining the initiative, stressing that empowering young people with practical skills remained critical to economic growth, job creation and social stability in the country.