Experts drawn from the education, secular and religious sector have called on the school administrators to introduce entrepreneurial and soft skill studies into the curriculum.
They stated this during a career Guidance/Counselling workshop for the graduating students of Government Technical College Abak, Akwa Ibom State, sponsored by Organisation, Development Research and Projects Centre(dRPC) in partnership with Open Society Foundations.
The key note speaker, Engineer Ani Umoren, at the occasion said the introduction of entrepreneurial and soft skill studies at the secondary school level becomes imperative due to limited job opportunities in the country.
He further said the soft skill when taught would enable graduates to manage their businesses and relate with consumers well.
Engr.Umoren also encouraged the graduands to look out for their capabilities and apply same to what they were taught in school to avoid being frustrated at the long run.
According to him ”there are hardly job opportunities in the country now, unlike before, students now need to show working. You should engage in entrepreneurial skills like plumbing, electrical, automobiles and so on.
“I implore the school to introduce entrepreneur skill and soft skill because the future of the country is moving away from big industries to entrepreneurs.
“Soft skill is how to manage a business right from the purchase of the materials for production and how to relate with the consumers. Look out for your capabilities to apply to what you are looking for, so that you won’t be frustrated.”
Also speaking, the Head of Department, Industrial Technology Education, University of Uyo, Dr.A.E. Udofia, told the graduating students that government does not have sufficient job to go round or to meet the number of applicants, therefore, they should create job for themselves using the skills acquired.
His words,”you should all try to grow above what you were taught with respect to application of knowledge technology and innovation. This will help provide food on the table, create income, employment and wealth.”
Speaking on the topic, ‘After Secondary/Technical Education what next?’ Namso George told the graduands that to become relevant in their chosen career they should always task their brain and work to make new findings as well as having a vision and building of more capacity.
In his remarks, Idem Udoekong, the representative of the sponsors harped on presentation skill stressing that one can have good ideas without knowing how to present them.
He however tasked the students on how to present their ideas, exhibit proper ethics and morals, improve on their digital an ICT skills and follow the rule of partnership and cooperation.
Earlier the Principal General of the College, Elder Friday Udoka thanked the sponsors of the workshop for the support so far and expressed optimism that the graduands would put all they were taught at the workshop into practice to better their lives noting that life outside world is more complex than in the college environment.
