skill acquisition is the key to unlocking employment opportunities for young people-Sen. Oyewumi

By Pan Afric Reporters NASS Abuja

The Deputy Minority Leader of the 10th Senate, Sen. Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere (Osun West) has emphasized the need for vocational training as a solution to the country’s youth unemployment crisis.

Addressing journalists in his Abuja National Assembly office shortly after leading a debate on the bill to establish a federal college of vocational and technical studies Ikere, Osun State, the senator argued that skill acquisition is the key to unlocking employment opportunities for young people.

The Bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Vocational and technical studies Ikere, Osun State which is sponsored by Sen. Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere was read for the first time on the floor of the hallowed chamber on Wednesday 4th December, 2024.

He noted that the current focus on white-collar jobs is no longer tenable, as many graduates are unable to find employment, emphasizing that vocational training in areas such as carpentry, bricklaying, and automotive repair can provide young people with the skills they need to become self-employed or secure jobs.

“The Technical and Vocational institution established by this Bill will provide acceptable certificates in middle-level Technical training education expertise in areas like, Automobile and Heavy-duty Trucks Mechanics, Electrician Technician, Panel and Iron Melting Technician, Fridges and Air Conditioner Technician, Building Technology, Paint Manufacturing Technician, Dying and Fabric artisan, Furniture and wood work artisans, Corporate programming Tech, Tailoring and Fabric, design artisan, Beautician, Soap and Detergent manufacturing Artisans, among others.”

He also highlighted the importance of making vocational training more attractive and respectable, noting that many young people are reluctant to pursue vocational training due to the perception that it is inferior to university education.

He cited the example of India, where vocational training is highly valued and has contributed to the country’s economic growth. He also noted that many Chinese technicians who work in Nigeria are not university graduates but have acquired skills through vocational training.

He further argued that the  establishment of the proposed federal college of vocational and technical studies in each senatorial district would provide training in various vocational areas.

He  also emphasized that this initiative would not only provide employment opportunities for young people but also address the country’s skills gap and contribute to economic growth as well minimize youth restiveness and other social voices in the country while  leading the  debate on the bill on the floor of the Senate during Wednesday plenary.

“Undoubtedly, establishing a Federal Vocational and Technical college like this, will address the growing need for specialized, middle-level skills needed in the workforce in Nigeria. It will provide opportunities for young people to acquire necessary vocational skills that are needed for employment in the labour market. This will help to promote economic growth and reduce unemployment.

“My very distinguished colleagues, as a country, we must as a matter of priority, encourage technical skill acquisition to align with the global paradigm shift especially now that Artificial intelligence is taking over human activities in the labour market. This will also minimize youth restiveness and other social vices in the country.

Mr. President, my Distinguished colleagues, it is certain that this Bill, when passed will improve career and technical education which will make the trainers to be better equipped to face the challenges of modern time.”

The Bill having gone through second reading is promising and Nigerians are hopeful that it will receive the support of  lawmakers who are keen to address the country’s youth unemployment crisis. Though, the sponsor of the Bill, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Sen. Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere (Osun West) laid before a humble appeal requesting  his colleagues to support the expeditious passage of the Bill.

“On this note, I humbly request my Distinguished Colleagues, to support the expeditious passage of this Bill because of its inherent relevance to the socio-economic development of our dear country and its success to the human capacity development of our teeming youths.” He appeals.