Saturday, 4th January 2025
To guardian.ng
Search
Breaking News:

Nigerians must embrace skill acquisition, says Olaniyan

By Gloria Nwafor 
02 January 2025   |   2:24 am
Executive Director of EGO Foundation, Toluwase Olaniyan, has described 2025 as a year of skill acquisition. Noting that as citizens step into 2025, a critical message resonates louder than ever that acquiring practical
Skills acquisition

Executive Director of EGO Foundation, Toluwase Olaniyan, has described 2025 as a year of skill acquisition. Noting that as citizens step into 2025, a critical message resonates louder than ever that acquiring practical, hands-on skills is no longer optional but an essential path to securing employment and achieving economic stability. 

 
Stating that the future belongs to those who have the skills to build, he said in a world where industries are rapidly evolving. Traditional job roles are being reshaped, and vocational skilling offers a gateway to opportunity, especially for youth and underserved communities.
 
He noted that the reality of today’s global economy rewards individuals who possess market-relevant skills across key sectors such as technology, agriculture, manufacturing, or creative industries, adding that the demand for skilled labour was soaring. 
 
Yet, he said many young people remain unemployed, not because opportunities do not exist, but because of a mismatch between what employers need and the skills job seekers bring to the table.
 
On why vocational skills matter, Olaniyan stressed that vocational training equips individuals with the technical and practical expertise needed for specific trades or professions. 
 
He said that, unlike traditional academic pathways, vocational training was tailored to meet real-world demands, empowering individuals to solve problems, create value, and deliver results in industries that form the backbone of the economy.
 
“For instance, the global construction industry consistently faces a shortage of skilled workers like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.”

Similarly, the creative and digital sectors need graphic designers, web developers, and content creators. Vocational training fills these gaps, turning raw talent into marketable expertise,” he said.

 
In the case of Nigeria and beyond, Olaniyan said that vocational skilling was not just an economic necessity but a tool for national transformation for countries like Nigeria.  
 
Acknowledging that Nigeria boasts a vibrant youth population with immense potential, he said youth unemployment remains a significant challenge.  By focusing on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), he said the nation could harness the demographic dividend to drive innovation, industrialisation, and entrepreneurship.
 
Stating that the future of work is skills-based, the EGO Foundation boss projected that in 2025 and beyond, the global workforce would be increasingly shaped by skills, not degrees.   He said employers would prioritise individuals who demonstrate competence and adaptability over those with theoretical knowledge. 
 
This shift, he said, underscores the importance of continuous learning and upskilling to remain competitive in an ever-changing job market. Furthermore, he stressed that vocational training was not limited to entry-level jobs, as skilled professionals often enjoy higher job security, better earning potential, and opportunities for career advancement.   He maintained that many successful entrepreneurs today started with vocational skills, from tailors and chefs to software developers and artisans.

0 Comments