The Nation Newspaper

Tag: skills

  • Experts to unveil agenda for career, skills

    Experts to unveil agenda for career, skills

    Preparations are now in top gear for the unveiling ceremony of the 21st Century Skills Roadmap.

    The two-day event is scheduled to hold at the University of Lagos between November 14th and 15th.

     Hosted by Career Digest (CD) Limited, a social business enterprise, in collaboration with leading stakeholders in the education sector, the event promises to unveil before a colourful audience, the fundamentals of the perennial wide-scale skills gaps between the institutions of learning and the workplace in Nigeria and across parts of Africa.

    More significantly, CD will unveil credible solution pathways to resolving the endemic problem that has spanned decades and seemingly defied solutions.

    The 21st CSR , event its organiser said shall provide participants access to an uncommon assemblage of key relevant sector stakeholders, keen to resolve the unfortunate problem.

     The epoch-making event which is planned as a hybrid occurrence, will host about 500 onsite and 3,000 offsite participants.

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    It will feature activities that include keynote addresses, goodwill messages, a Big Picture presentation, panel discussions, official endorsements, Business to Business (B2B) Sessions, networking and exhibitions, among others.

    Among expected participants, include academic institutions/educators, employers of labour, development institutions, policymakers including ministries, government executives at federal, state, and local government levels .  Also expected are chief executives/human resources managers of corporate organisations, the media, Non-Governmental Organisations and philanthropists, community leaders, learners, PTAs/parents & guardians.

    For the first time, the problems of the skills gaps and failures by stakeholders of the continent to achieve 21st century skills will be given a comprehensive, sustainable and pragmatic approach and diagnosis.

      A media statement released by the Chief Executive Officer of Career Digest, Mrs. Joy Chinwokwu, a veteran journalist and  World Bank award-winning business development consultant, remarked that “the Career Digest initiative is strategically guided by its Advisory Board Chairman,  Emeritus Professor, Olugbemiro Jegede,  Foundation Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria; former Chief Executive  of the Association of African Universities; and Chairman, TETFund Advisory Committee on Digital Literacy, Productivity and Emerging Skills.

     A statement credited to Emeritus Prof. Jegede observed that “The CD initiative will indeed be very helpful in ensuring that Nigeria maximises the privileges of its recent admission into WorldSkills community as its 89th member by effectively positioning every stakeholder in the country to embrace emerging global skills, in real time. CD is hopeful of assisting WorldSkills Nigeria, to generate needed energy and insights to the global skills movement.”

    Also keenly behind the initiative’s success, is its Advisory Board Vice-Chairman, Mr. Tim Rose,  the CEO of Growbridge Advisors Ltd UK , an international firm that provides a range of corporate advisory and training services to companies and International Donors and who is also Chartered Director and None Executive Director of Fintech Start-up & Senior Technical Advisor on SME Donor Programmes, in London. The initiative is equally backed by other high-level advisors in the core areas of Strategy, Policies & Interventions, Content Development and Management and Study, Curriculum and Jobs.

    The press statement further added that the management of CD is driven by a vibrant Business Team and a colourful Editorial Board profiling veterans and GenZ journalists.

     Said Mrs. Chinwokwu, “The Editorial team is expected to give some bite to the post-event implementation plans, designed to execute its clear transformation agenda of impacting the economies of individuals, families and nations. Vital to this initiative are the mentorship and informative programmes delivered online and onsite through the Career Digest website, www.careerdigest.com.ng  and other programmes designed in partnerships with schools at different tiers of education that range from kindergarten through to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and with employers, targeting workplace rookies.”

    The Career Digest initiative is designed to empower skillful and morally upright students, youth, and women to help themselves, their families, industries, and the economy.

    Among the expected outcomes is an enabled mutual training environment for the classroom and workplace and a close-knit work interface among various sector stakeholders.

    The initiative has been applauded by leading members of both the public and private sectors as “a timely and long-awaited social business tonic for career and curriculum reforms.”

  • Experts set to unveil reform agenda for career, skills development

    Experts set to unveil reform agenda for career, skills development

    Preparations are in full swing for the unveiling of the 21st Century Skills Roadmap, set to take place at the University of Lagos from Thursday, November 14th to Friday, November 15.

    The event, organized by Career Digest (CD) Limited, a social enterprise, in partnership with key education stakeholders, will address the persistent skills gap between educational institutions and the workforce in Nigeria and parts of Africa.

    During the event, CD will introduce practical solutions to this long-standing issue, which has spanned decades.

    Participants will gain access to a diverse group of relevant industry leaders, all focused on resolving this challenge.

    This landmark event will be held in a hybrid format, with around 500 onsite participants and an additional 3,000 joining virtually.

    Key activities will include keynote speeches, goodwill messages, a Big Picture presentation, panel discussions, official endorsements, Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions.

    Among expected participants, include academic institutions/educators, employers of labour, development institutions, policymakers including ministries, and government executives at federal, state, and local government levels.

    Also expected are chief executives/human resources managers of corporate organisations, the media, Non-Governmental Organisations and philanthropists, community leaders, learners, PTAs/parents & guardians.

    Read Also: Lagos equips 2,500 graduates with employability, work-ready skills

    For the first time, the problems of the skills gaps and failures by stakeholders of the continent to achieve 21st-century skills will be given a comprehensive, sustainable, and pragmatic approach and diagnosis.

     A statement released by the Chief Executive Officer of Career Digest, Mrs. Joy Chinwokwu, a veteran journalist and World Bank award-winning business development consultant, remarked: “The Career Digest initiative is strategically guided by its Advisory Board Chairman,  Emeritus Professor, Olugbemiro Jegede,  Foundation Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria; former Chief Executive of the Association of African Universities; and Chairman, TETFund Advisory Committee on Digital Literacy, Productivity and Emerging Skills.

    A statement credited to Emeritus Prof. Jegede observed: “The CD initiative will indeed be very helpful in ensuring that Nigeria maximises the privileges of its recent admission into WorldSkills community as its 89th member by effectively positioning every stakeholder in the country to embrace emerging global skills, in real-time. CD is hopeful of assisting WorldSkills Nigeria, to generate needed energy and insights to the global skills movement.”

    Also keenly behind the initiative’s success, is its advisory board vice-chairman, Mr. Tim Rose, the CEO of Growbridge Advisors Ltd UK, an international firm that provides a range of corporate advisory and training services to companies and International Donors and who is also Chartered Director and None Executive Director of Fintech Start-up & Senior Technical Advisor on SME Donor Programmes, in London. The initiative is equally backed by other high-level advisors in the core areas of Strategy, Policies & Interventions, Content Development and Management and Study, Curriculum and Jobs.

    The press statement further added that the management of CD is driven by a vibrant Business Team and a colourful Editorial Board profiling veterans and GenZ journalists.

     Said Mrs. Chinwokwu: “The Editorial team is expected to give some bite to the post-event implementation plans, designed to execute its clear transformation agenda of impacting the economies of individuals, families, and nations. Vital to this initiative is the mentorship and informative programmes delivered online and onsite through the Career Digest website, www.careerdigest.com.ng, and other programmes designed in partnerships with schools at different tiers of education that range from kindergarten through to primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions and with employers, targeting workplace rookies.”

    The Career Digest initiative is designed to empower skillful and morally upright students, youth, and women to help themselves, their families, industries, and the economy.

    Among the expected outcomes are an enabled mutual training environment for the classroom and workplace and a close-knit work interface among various sector stakeholders. 

    The initiative has been applauded by leading members of both the public and private sectors as “a timely and long-awaited social business tonic for career and curriculum reforms.”

  • Foundation graduates 600 in skills acquisition

    Foundation graduates 600 in skills acquisition

    Purple Heart Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, has graduated 600 students in skills acquisition programme.

    The foundation, which has for seven years impacted children across the state in vocational skills such shoe making, catering, wig making, make up application and many more, graduated successful participants, who were also educated on the importance of self-evaluation.

    The event was held at Shomolu Centre, Bashua, Military Primary with the theme: “Self Evaluation.”

    Founder and convener of the foundation, Uko Itoro, said she was inspired to establish the foundation by her environment.

    She said participants graduated at three centres in Lagos and Ondo states.

    “We are not ending here; we have a greater vision, which is to have it in major states in Nigeria and across Nigeria as well,” she added.

    Read Also: Lagos signs MoU with Chinese firm on rice value chain, agriculture

    Itoro described the initiative as very impactful, saying it had been helping the youngsters learn new things and inspiring them to greater things.

    She lauded parents for allowing their children to participate and thanked volunteers, who have been training the participants without collecting money. 

    Tokunbo Rufai, a guest at the event, appreciated the convener for the brilliant initiative, while Oludare Johnson, a first-time instructor in catering, said it was an interesting experience for him.

    Parents at the event appreciated Purple Heart Foundation for bringing the initiative to Shomolu community.

  • Embrace skills acquisition, Poly founder urges youths

    Embrace skills acquisition, Poly founder urges youths

    Founder of Ajayi Polytechnic Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Busayo Ajayi has called on Nigerian youths, especially students to prioritize skills acquisition so that they can be self-dependence.

    Ajayi said that it was time for youths to learn relevant and employable skills that would make them self-reliant rather than wait for the government to provide non-existing jobs.

    He spoke during the 7th matriculation of students of the institution organised for 350 students held at the polytechnic’s main campus in Ikere -Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area.

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    Ajayi charged the matriculating students to take advantage of the various skills acquisition programmes introduced by the institution to aid themselves after graduation since white-collar jobs are no longer easy to secure.

    He said that the institution prepared its students thoroughly for the competitive labour market by equipping them with relevant skills for self-reliance, financial independence, and wealth creation after their graduation.

    He noted that skill acquisition was mandatory for all the students of the institution, saying no one would graduate from the polytechnic unless they acquired at least one vocational skill.

    He reiterated the commitment of the institution to academic excellence and scholarship, adding that the polytechnic is not a certificate factory where student get certificates effortlessly.

  • Youths get essential life skills at forum

    Youths get essential life skills at forum

    African Women on Board (AWB) has hosted the next generation of leaders at University of Lagos to a panel discussion as part of its inaugural Project Yellow Card Student Leader Launchpad. The event:  “Leadership as an Imperative: Redefining Participation and Inclusion,” attracted students eager to gain insight on leadership, and the skills to thrive today.

    The panel featured industry leaders from engineering, creative, technology, and human resources. Moderated by Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, head of Programmes at News Central TV, the conversation focused on youth apathy and equipping young people with leadership skills.

    Ferdinand Adimefe, Founder of Magic Carpet Studios, noted the need for self-awareness. “Ask yourself why you do the things you do. We must unlearn this normative way of not questioning things and going with the flow; we have leadership issues we need to question. I think we need people who are self-aware and curious.”

    Jade Oyateru, co-founder of Uncover Skincare, urged students to view leadership as a means to create impact. “If you have an idea, just start! Do not wait for perfection. Start on a small scale. The faster you start, the faster you fail. Pick your learnings and move on. Entrepreneurship is hard; it is hard work and determination but do not despair, learn and soak up the experience so you create your impact.”

    Read Also: Babangida backs reintroduction of religious knowledge subjects in schools

    Christian Obi (The Igbo Wolf) actor and content creator, stressed importance of using social media as a leadership tool. “We live in an age where copying is so easy. Somebody does something that works, and you find everybody is doing same thing. What makes you stand out? How do you set yourself apart? If you do not find out how you are different, you can’t set a leadership standard. Impactful content creation requires you understanding that putting out content is not something you should rush to do…”

    Encouraging self-belief, Ijeoma Onwordi, head of Corporate Services at Tetracore Energy Group, urged students to emulate successful leaders by looking up their profiles and identifying skills that set them apart.

    Chinonyerem Opara, senior Brand manager, West Africa, Dettol, urged students to develop themselves for leadership without waiting to be assigned a position of authority. ‘Leadership is not just about titles, it is about action and influence and making a positive impact…”

  • Firm to roll out skills training programme for youths

    Firm to roll out skills training programme for youths

    An educational organisation, Fides Et Ratio Academy, has said it would soon roll out training programmes that would bridge the skills gap in the country.

    Chief Executive Officer of the Academy, Paul Chukwuma, made this known at a media parley with education correspondents in Abuja yesterday 

    Chukwuma, who owns a university in East Africa, said there is an urgent need to anchor Nigeria’s education system on skill development instead of mere certificates.

    He said: “I discovered that the basic issue we have in our educational system is that the educational system we were introduced to, and to a very large extent we still carry along with, is deficient in the key essential elements that every human being should think about, and that is skills.

    “We prioritise paper qualifications over skills; everybody want to be a PhD holder; everybody want to be a professor, even when you cannot defend that title.”

    While saying that some education institutions in Europe have some of their technical departments headed by individuals without degrees but with skills, Chukwuma said Fides Et Ratio Academy was established to change the narrative by focusing on skill development.

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    He said: “In 2006, Fides Et Ratio Academy was established as a training institute that will basically engage in fulfilling this mandate, which I have identified in my own little way while planning to also set up a higher institution of learning, and in 2020/2021, I was able to establish a private university, but it took off effectively in 2022.”

    The first-class graduate of philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nssuka, said he has begun setting up another university in his hometown in Anambra, which will also address the skills gap in the country.

    Speaking on the planned skills training programme that is expected to kick off in a few days from now, Chukwuma, who was joined by a member of the House of Representatives, Afam Ogene, said Nigeria needs to leverage on Information and Communication Technology skills by harnessing the talents of its youths to address the challenges of the country.

    He said: “We have the best brains, people whose brains you can’t equate with anything but a computer, because of the kind of ingenuity we experienced that we see coming from the young people that get obliterated along the line simply because they have not been nurtured.

    “I felt that it was important to begin in my own little way to bridge this gap that I have noticed. The gap between skill and theory, between practice and theory. You cannot do anything meaningful without practice.”

    While calling on the Nigerian media to push the agenda of ICT skills development in the country, Chukwuma linked the unemployment problem in the nation to the production of graduates without skills, even as he called for more synergy between institutions and industry.

    He stated: “There is a need for a connection between institutions and the companies because the problems the companies encountered are supposed to be solved by the research going on at the various institutions, but that is not happening here, that is why we are not getting the number of patents we are supposed to have.”

    Chukwuma also advocated for a mechanism that will see Nigerian youths channel their uncommon ICT talents into positive use.

    “The kind of brain our guys are putting in all those funny characters and fraudulent activities is not an ordinary brain because it is not easy to break into a system that is protected by all manners of firewalls. Why don’t we get them to channel these to more productive use? With that we will be doing a computing system that exists nowhere,” he added. 

  • Top seven skills you should learn before relocating

    Top seven skills you should learn before relocating

    Many Nigerians are relocating overseas to find greener pasture for themselves and families.

    However, before making such a significant move, it is important to equip oneself with crucial skills that can pave the way for financial stability and success in a new environment.

    Here are seven necessary skills to consider mastering before embarking on your journey:

    1. Hairdressing

    Hairdressing is a very popular and lucrative skill to learn before you relocate abroad. This is because the demand for hairstylists is high abroad from not only Nigerians but other Africans.

    It can be quite expensive to own a salon abroad but you can as well render home services and still make a lot of money.

    1. Plumbing

    This is also one of the valuable skills to learn. Every house needs theIr services of a plumber. Plumbing is one of the skills which is in demand worldwide and can lead to stable employment opportunities.

    With this skill, you can not be stranded when you relocate as you can be called on to fix or install plumbing issues and needs for houses which will earn you a high pay in return.

    1. Barbing

    Barbing is another skill that you should learn before you relocate. It would earn you a good pay.

    The trick is to network yourself and target men, women or children who need a haircut. You should also make sure you are skillful in order to attract and retain customers.

    Read Also: Acquire vocational skills for self-reliance, Ogunbusuyi urges youths

    Barbing is also a business you can run at the comfort of your home or render home services till you are financially stable to own a salon.

    1. Fashion designing/tailoring

    You need to remember that most Nigerians have also relocated before you and might not have access to their African attires or dresses.

    Report has it that there is a shortage of fashion designers who can play around African designs abroad so this can be a very huge opportunity for you.

    Learning how to sew or design outfits will give you leverage and attract other Nigerians to patronize you.

    1. Makeup

    No matter the part of the world you relocate to just be sure that this skill would bring good pay.

    Women love to look good regardless of the country, so this means they would want their makeup done professionally for parties and other events.

    Therefore, if you are good at it, you would be able to make more money for yourself. While you are still yet to relocate, you can check around you for a professional makeup studio that offers training for learning.

    1. Photography

    Photography is another valuable and lucrative skill you should learn before relocating. You can learn how to take pictures, edit photos, and create digital art. With your photography skills, you can take up shoots and also pitch yourself for media companies abroad.

    1. Shoe making/Cobbling

    This skill is highly profitable as it allows access to a broad customer base, given that everyone wears shoes.

    Whether you’re repairing old shoes or crafting new ones, you can expect a consistent flow of clients.

    There is a demand for individuals skilled in repairing shoes, bags, belts, purses, and other leather goods, as well as for those capable of creating new items.

  • ‘Collaboration vital to new skills acquisition’

    ‘Collaboration vital to new skills acquisition’

    The Executive Director, Africa Bridge Initiative (ABI), Mr.Opeoluwa Taiwo,  has called for more collaboration to get more youths to acquire skills to explore jobs demanding for specialised skills in technology.

    According to a report by the World Economic Forum, by 2025, the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry is expected to create 97 million new jobs.

    Speaking in a forum in Lagos, Taiwo noted that AI was among top skills required to thrive in a post pandemic world.

    He noted that AI-related jobs and skills were on the rise spreading across industries and transforming jobs. He continued that companies were increasingly seeking AI talent and that identified skills tied to roles augmented by the technology were likely going to be affected by its ascent.”

    To this end, he urged the government to partner the private sector in a renewed vigour to future-proof youths with the most sought after skills to strive   in a competitive, skilled job market.

    Taiwo further said the ABI has articulated a lot of programmes that will enhance the development of youths in the society.

    He said its partnership with Lagos State Ministry of Education, United Nations on youth matters and other relevant agencies have helped to build capacities in areas such as leadership development, gender based violence and advocacy, adding there was much to be achieved in the quest to set the economy on the path to growth.

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    Chairman ABI, Prof.Babawale Babatunde noted that the rapid development of AI has created a revolution that will change new jobs.

    To this end, he maintained that the economy needs more workers with AI skills, adding that there are many potential benefits from it.

    According to him, AI has the potential to lead to higher wages for workers whose skills complement the technology.

    He stressed the need for more youths to reap the benefits of AI while adapting to it, notably through training and social dialogue.

    According to Babawale, adopting AI would improve systems, encouraging youths to take advantage of the job opportunities despite challenges.

  • 200 kids to get creative art skills

    200 kids to get creative art skills

    Two hundred children will be trained  in creative arts during this summer holiday, Nigeria Art for Life (NALI) has said.

    Director of the Initiative, Efe Okorare, in a statement, said the children will receive painting lessons.

    “This Summer Art Programme is one of such activities. Declared open on July 10, Efe Okorare has set up an open-air visual art studio in Abuja to impact children through free painting classes. These classes will run till August.

    “His goal is to reach 200 children during summer holiday’’.

    Okorare said inspiration came from the success at the 10th African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) in 2017.

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    “Founded in 2015 and powered by Link Art Concepts, it focuses on curating and art programmes aimed at instilling art skills in children.

    “ Okorare has put in over 20 years in training and developing art skills and creativity among children and youths.

    “I have always believed a person should be resourceful and develop their artistic skills to create and establish a sustainable life…”

    “This vision remains the propeller of the Nigeria Art for Life Initiative (NALI) and I am happy to see the impact of the efforts; children becoming creative and the youth becoming Art Entrepreneurs.

    Nigeria Art For Life (NALI) is endorsed and supported by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) which is under the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Nigeria.

  • Experts urge entrepreneurs on skills acquisition

    A cross-section of experts has impressed on small businesses the need to get additional skills set in order to be able to achieve their set objective.

    Firing the first salvo, Nnena Jacob-Ogogo, the Head, Women in Business, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), specifically advised women entrepreneurs to seek for more knowledge, improve their skills and leverage on good networks for them to scale up their businesses.

    Ogogo spoke at the Financial and Investment Opportunities for Women Conference organised by Women Helping Women Initiatives in Lagos.

    The event had in attendance women in career and businesses which feature financial literacy, building lasting wealth, securing loans for expansion, investment club membership, access to credit facilities and investment opportunities for women.

    She said that a lot of women think that taking loan in a commercial bank will not solve their business challenge but leveraging on relevant information and building once capacity and effective collaboration is the best way to go.

    She noted that starting a business requires careful planning and putting into consideration other factors which include the right business idea, a great team, right mindset, integrity, competence, financial discipline, and consistency.

    Ogogo added that we are partnering with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and women can now access loans at 15% which is much lower than the existing interest loans.

    She added that 40 women today have access zero interest loans from FCMB today and the next seasons of beneficiaries will be in May as the process has started.

    Also speaking, the Lead Coach Smart Strewards, Sola Adesakin charged women to developed culture saving and investment because when someone is faithful in little, such a person will be faithful in much

    Although she asserted that some investments are risky but noted that when a starts-up investors follow due diligent and the right principles, they will get it right.

    “As a start-up investor, have an investment that falls into security pocket, those investment that are conservative that will guarantee capital and income which is fixed,” she said.

    In her words, the convener of the conference, Winifred Ayanda said that the programme is aimed at providing innovative and dynamic framework for the development of financial literacy skills, wealth generation, management and investment opportunities.