Minister Olawande Advocates Skills Over Certificates for Youth

On Friday, during a youth forum on Channel Television, Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, urged a stronger focus on skills development among Nigerian youth, asserting that academic certificates are no longer adequate for the current labor market. He expressed concern over unrealistic salary expectations among graduates, which he linked to poor career guidance and limited exposure to entrepreneurship and vocational training.

Olawande noted that many students pursue higher education primarily to obtain degrees without developing the practical competencies necessary for employment. He commended the federal government's Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, which aims to expand access to higher education, addressing a significant barrier for youth in Nigeria.

Olawande remains optimistic about the potential contributions of Nigerian youth to national development, emphasizing the need for proper engagement and support to harness their capabilities effectively.