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WHY MANDATORY TECHNICAL COLLEGE EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS
By Olatunde Alejo
As a nation, we have reached a critical juncture, prompting us to reflect on our trajectory.
Are we cultivating innovators or merely certificate holders?
In contemporary Nigeria, we are producing thousands of university graduates annually, many of whom are intelligent, enthusiastic, and hopeful. However, the harsh reality is that most of them lack practical, hands-on skills upon graduation. This is not a fault of their own but rather a consequence of the system in place.
What if we were to reform this system?
What if we made it compulsory for every student to attend a technical college after secondary school, prior to pursuing university education? Alternatively, we could incorporate technical skills as fundamental knowledge in the curriculum for secondary schools, with a mandatory one-year technical course for all students.
Consider the implications:
Our world is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements.
The jobs of tomorrow will necessitate more than theoretical knowledge. We require individuals who can translate ideas into action not merely in office settings, but also in workshops, laboratories, studios, and fields.
We need engineers who can design and build.
We need agriculturists who can farm using modern tools.
We need fashion designers, coders, electricians, drone operators, car mechanics, digital artists the list is extensive.
This proposal is not about forcing every child into a technical profession. Rather, it is about empowering every Nigerian youth with the gift of self-sufficiency.
Acquiring a skill is tantamount to acquiring freedom and power. In a country where job opportunities are scarce, possessing a skill can be the determining factor between frustration and progress.
Let us redefine our perception of technical education, recognizing it as a foundational element rather than a secondary option. Even our most esteemed professors require skilled professionals to maintain the infrastructure.
Let us be candid: University degrees alone will not propel this country forward. However, skilled minds complemented by skilled hands will.
If we adopt this approach, we will build a generation of Nigerians who are not only knowledgeable but also practically competent. We will create a workforce capable of addressing the diverse challenges of our economy. Furthermore, by implementing mandatory technical education, we will instill a sense of discipline and hard work in our youth, preparing them for real-world challenges.
The government has already shown some intent to address this by proposing to pay students a monthly stipend of 45,000 Naira for undergoing technical training. This initiative, if properly implemented, can help alleviate some of the financial burdens and ensure that more students access technical education. Additionally, if the government reduces the duration of technical training to two years, while still making it mandatory for all students after secondary school, it will allow for rapid skill development and better preparation for the workforce.
Moreover, we can look to successful examples from around the world, like China, where technical education is deeply embedded in their educational system. The result is a nation with a strong workforce that drives innovation and growth. We can adopt similar methods to develop our own technical expertise, ensuring that Nigeria does not lag behind in the global race for development.
It is time to act. It is time to equip our future generations with not only knowledge but also “PRACTICAL ABILITIES.”
Let us collectively strive to build the Nigeria we envision, one skilled student at a time.
Onímòèro Àlējò Olátúndé
#Akure North & South
#Let’s Build Nigeria Beyond
#Nigeria Belongs to Us
#Our Next Generations Matter
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