Fubara Advocates for Vocational Education in Nigeria

On Wednesday, during the inauguration of three major infrastructure projects at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria's education system towards Vocational and Technical Education (VTE). He criticized the country's overreliance on paper qualifications, stating it fuels unemployment and hinders economic growth.

Fubara emphasized the importance of equipping young Nigerians with technical skills to enhance employability and entrepreneurship. He noted that the 6-3-3-4 educational system, adopted in the 1980s, aimed to prepare students for practical skills and self-employment.

However, he lamented that the focus has shifted to acquiring degrees without relevant competencies. Fubara explained that the Entrepreneurship Centre project at the polytechnic aims to groom young people with skills that lead to self-employment rather than job-seeking.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to developmental projects that create opportunities and address societal problems.