Al-Kawthar tasks government on technical education to tackle youth unemployment

A foremost Islamic private technical college in the Southwest, Al-Kawthar Science and Technology College has emphasised the need to prioritised technical education, as the adoption of technology and vocational education has become imperative for youths to be successful in the 21st century.

The school an offshoot of Al-kawthar Model College, Abuleoko, Ogun State graduated 50 students who have been certified successfully for skills in plumbing, carpentry, tailoring, electrical and catering, combined with academics as part of the college curriculum.

Speaking during the college’s fifth Graduation/Valedictory, Walimotul-Qur’an and Prize Giving Ceremony, the Principal of the college, AbdulWasiu Ijaduola said that technical education is highly necessary and important in this era of cyber-crime and other criminality to redeem the image of the country in the international space.

He urged the government and stakeholders in the education sector to assist in re-orientating the citizens on the importance of technical education to the upcoming generation. “ Government needs to do more in the area of funding in terms of securing and acquiring 21st-century gadgets and equipment which will enhance rapid development in our nation.”

Ijaduola added that the college was established 10 years ago to cater for the wide gap that exists in the education sector vis-à-vis vocational and technical education.

“The college is not only a technical college but also a religious and moral college. We train our students in line with the Qur’an and Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W.) coupled with the academic and technical knowledge which they learn practically from our experienced and 21st-century teachers and instructors.”

He noted that the college’s vision is to train manpower practically in their chosen career so that they can be skilled, independent, morally and Islamically upright.

“ The school provides a sound and qualitative technical oriented education with full practicality at affordable cost and not compromising moral and religious values.”

The electrical instructor of the college, Mr. Mukaila Omotunde Soyemi, said to improve high school outcomes, it is necessary to combine college coursework with technical education.

“Government should equip technical schools if done properly the challenges of unemployment would be resolved. Likewise, certificate disparity should be shunned because graduates of technical schools in Nigeria are degraded when seeking employment, which is not done in developed countries.

“Government and employers of labour should give equal recognition to every qualification to encourage people to piriotise technical education.

He added that the graduands are well prepared for the outside world, with the training acquired they are self-sufficient. An electrical student of Al-kawthar can carry out wiring installation of a three-bedroom flat, likewise those in other departments.

“ While seeking admission they are expected to work with the training and experience acquired and when they gain admission, they can also support themselves.

Soyemi advised the students not to relent on what they are taught in the school. They should endeavour to associate with other artisans who are stablised in their field of interest.

“We have trained them to a level, industrial experience is very important to boost their confidence on the field. I advised them to connect with those who are already in the field to build their confidence.”