In a call to action for Nigerian youths, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has highlighted the need to acquire practical skills alongside academic qualifications. Ganduje’s remarks came during the commencement of the Enterprise Skills Development Training (EDET) program for youths in Lagos, organized by Dayo Israel.
During the event, Ganduje, represented by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu, emphasized that the current Nigerian educational curriculum is heavily theoretical and fails to equip students with the necessary skills to compete in the modern job market. This mismatch between education and market demands has contributed to the surge in unemployment rates among Nigerian graduates.
In his address, Ganduje stated, “Our curriculum is majorly focused on theories. We produce graduates who are experts in theoretical knowledge but lack the skills to embark on entrepreneurship or develop solutions that serve society. Our graduates may excel in spoken English but struggle to create anything viable or contribute to societal development.”
He further highlighted the importance of incorporating skill acquisition and practical learning into the curriculum. “There’s nothing we can do to rectify this situation except to change the curriculum. We must include skill acquisition and practical learning alongside theoretical education,” Ganduje asserted.
Ganduje encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace skill acquisition and not solely rely on white-collar job prospects. “If you complete your university education and struggle to find a white-collar job, please don’t hesitate to learn a skill. Shed the garb of arrogance and acquire practical skills that will make you useful to yourself, your family, and society,” he advised.
Emphasizing the role of self-employment and job creation, Ganduje urged the youth to take the initiative and not wait for government-provided jobs. “Let us understand that we are the ones who will create jobs for ourselves and others. If you don’t have a service to offer, you will not get anywhere. All of us need to assist the president in changing the face of this country, and we will do it by learning practical skills,” he concluded.
Ganduje’s call resonates with the growing need for a skilled workforce in Nigeria, capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. By encouraging skill acquisition, he aims to empower Nigerian youths to become self-reliant, contribute to societal development, and address the persistent challenge of unemployment in the country.
