A former Chairman of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Olu Aina, has called on Nigerians to embrace technical education as a means of addressing unemployment and promoting national development.
Professor Aina made the call in an interview with Impact Digital Television Osogbo as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He described technical education as a key driver of socioeconomic development, noting that equipping young people with practical skills would enable them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the nation's economy.
The educationist commended the Federal Government for introducing reforms in technical education, particularly the initiative to make technical education free, saying the policy could encourage more young Nigerians to enrol in technical colleges and acquire vocational skills.
Professor Aina noted that Nigeria's education sector had recorded some progress over the past 66 years, stressing that education remained the bedrock of national growth and development.
He called for greater investment in technical and vocational institutions, urging the government to provide modern equipment, qualified instructors and functional training facilities to ensure that students acquire skills relevant to the needs of the labour market.
The former NUC chairman also stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and industries, explaining that such collaboration would expose students to practical experience and improve their employment opportunities after graduation.
Speaking on the state of the nation, Professor Aina urged political leaders to address insecurity and economic challenges, noting that peace and economic stability were essential for accelerated national development.
He emphasised the need for Nigeria to harness its abundant human and material resources for the benefit of its citizens, adding that effective utilisation of these resources could stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve living standards across the country.
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