Hakeem Jamiu Advocates Skills Over Certificates for Youth

Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu, Chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Youths, Sports Development and Job Creation and former Deputy Speaker, delivered a lecture titled ‘Equipping Ekiti Youth for the Modern Economy’ at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology in Ikere-Ekiti. He advised Nigerian undergraduates to focus on acquiring practical skills instead of solely relying on academic certificates, stating that the future economy will reward competence, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Jamiu noted that while academic degrees are important, they are insufficient for guaranteed employment. He encouraged students to prepare for life after graduation by developing marketable skills and highlighted sectors such as technology, agriculture, and the creative industry as key areas for growth.

Jamiu also called for educational institutions to provide practical training and urged collaboration among governments, educational institutions, and the private sector to enhance youth skills development, which he believes is crucial for addressing unemployment and socio-economic challenges in Nigeria.