Nigerian researcher develops blueprint to end unemployment of graduates, other sectors

In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of unemployment among graduates from tertiary institutions in Nigeria, a Nigerian Researcher-cum-Author, Dr. Benjamin Onoriode Irikefe, has fashioned out implementable blueprints aimed at bridging the gap between academic training and the job market.

These strategies are encapsulated in his latest book, “Handbook for the Generation and Impartation of Course-Profession Derived Businesses and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises on Students of Tertiary Institutions – A Guide to Raising Successful Graduate Entrepreneurs.”

The book identifies the current disconnect between tertiary education curriculums and the realities of job creation and self-sustainability in the job market.

The central goal of Irikefe’s book is to ensure that every graduate, regardless of their field of study, can create multiple streams of income derived from their profession or course of study.

This, he believes, will eradicate post-graduation unemployment and ensure that graduates can sustain themselves financially upon leaving academic institutions.

Irikefe’s extensive experience as a member of Presidential Panel on National Security and Presidential Amnesty Programme among other various government initiatives, spans over two decades including training ex-militants, non-militant youths, and various corporate, governmental, and non-governmental organisations.

His insights are grounded in practical experience and aim to address the following critical issues:

The author has many books to his credit, including the Federal Government of Nigeria approved 1074-page book titled: Handbook of Skill Acquisition Training and Empowerment Programmes.”

The book is very much in compliance with the desired Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) paradigms that can strategically position graduates of tertiary institutions in the world of work and business, and enable them to lead sustainable livelihoods.

The book also advocates for students to acquire multiple marketable skills, capacities, and competencies that promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.

Irikefe’s book calls for the integration of Vocation Specific Trades (VSTs) and Course-Profession Derived Businesses (CPDBs) and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into conventional academic curriculums to ensure that graduates tertiary institutions have viable means to earn a living.

The book do proposes that students should generate and practice VSTs or CPDBs each semester to enhance their practical skills and entrepreneurial mindset.

The book provides guidelines for lecturers to impart VSTs and CPDBs within their teaching frameworks and advocates for annual workshops and seminars to enhance their teaching methods.

Irikefe’s book outlines a holistic approach to skill acquisition, encompassing Vocation Specific Training, Entrepreneurship Development Training, Soft and Life Skills Training, and Post Training Support.

The book further provides actionable frameworks and templates that can be replicated to generate and impart VSTs or CPDBs, ensuring that students graduate with skills that are directly applicable to the job market.

Irikefe’s book is not limited to students and lecturers; it is designed for a broad audience including NYSC members, civil servants, prospective retirees, and members of security and intelligence agencies.

The book is also a versatile resource aimed at equipping individuals with marketable skills to navigate the increasingly competitive job market.

The book also urges tertiary educational regulatory bodies such as the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Universities Commission (NUC) to enforce the implementation of VSTs and CPDBs within academic programs.

This, Irikefe argues, will transform compliant students into successful entrepreneurs and significantly reduce unemployment rates.