Be open to learning, Tech-U VC charges new students

Newly admitted students of first Technical University, (Tech-U), Ibadan, have been charged to be open to learning in order to aid their transformation into innovators and entrepreneurs.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayobami Salami, gave the charge while addressing the students during the recent orientation programme for freshmen. Noting that a formidable obstacle to Nigeria’s development is a large number of graduates who have certificates without skill, Salami assured that the university would produce graduates who will fill the skill gaps in the industry. He pointed out that the university focuses on knowledge on the one hand and skills on the other hand.

He said: “Over the last two sessions, the university has carved a niche for itself by training students to combine intellectual advancement with the development of innate and acquired technical and vocational competencies in diverse work areas.”He also said that some students of the school already have their own startups and are on their way to becoming full-fledged entrepreneurs. “This is a university with a potential I have not seen in any university. No university has the kind of potential we have demonstrated. We have about 18 different vocations that you can choose from”.

He further informed the freshmen that their courses would consist of 60 per cent theory and 40 per cent practical and hands on training during their stay in the school.

Director of General Administration, Mr. Murtala Agbaje, who led the new students through the institution’s administrative processes, urged them to work towards making themselves outstanding. “Each and every one has a talent and a mission. Your goal can be achieved through the First Technical University, you are not in the wrong place,” he said.

On the second phase of the orientation programme, which bordered on entrepreneurship, Director, Centre for Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training, Dr. Olugbenga Fayomi, encouraged the freshmen to get skilled in order to be relevant to the environment.

“Functional education is what will make people call you and pay you for solving their problems. Industrialists and governments are looking for people with uncommon knowledge; so start to determine what to do with the skills you learn here.

“There must be something that must set you apart from the crowd. First Class Honours may not be enough. Please develop yourselves and take advantage of opportunities. Remember jobs are looking for some people while some people are looking for jobs,” he said.